Casualties unknown

Aircraft Ground Loops After Main Wheel Hits Vegetation on Takeoff (C-GTHY)

Moab, UT, US

On August 15, 2007, an Aviat HUSKY A-1B (registration C-GTHY) was involved in an aviation accident near Moab, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control that resulted in a ground loop. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered C-GTHY
Aircraft registered C-GTHY. Photo: Ahunt at English Wikipedia / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A conventional gear airplane ground looped during takeoff when the left main wheel encountered low vegetation and uneven ground at the runway edge after the pilot steered left to avoid mud.

Incident Overview

A conventional gear airplane experienced a ground loop during the takeoff roll at an unspecified airport. The pilot had positioned the aircraft at the southeast end of the runway, facing northwest to utilize the full length of Runway 32 for departure.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff run, the pilot moved the airplane to the left edge of the runway centerline to avoid a patch of mud present on the runway surface. Just before reaching rotation speed, the left main wheel became caught in low brush vegetation and uneven ground at the edge of the runway.

Pilot Actions and Outcome

The pilot responded by cutting the power and applying full right rudder. Despite these inputs, the airplane continued to turn left and departed the runway. The aircraft came to a stop after the right wing tip impacted the ground. The event resulted in a ground loop.

Aircraft Configuration

The accident airplane was a conventional gear (tailwheel) type, though no further details on make, model, or registration were provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Aug 2007 Aviat HUSKY A-1B accident near Moab, UT?

A conventional gear airplane ground looped during takeoff when the left main wheel encountered low vegetation and uneven ground at the runway edge after the pilot steered left to avoid mud.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Aug 2007 involved an Aviat HUSKY A-1B, registration C-GTHY, at Moab, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control that resulted in a ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071001X01480. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.