No fatalities

1 Oct 2008: NORTH AMERICAN AT-6 — Peter Jonathan Houghton — Arlington, WA

Arlington, WA, United States

On 1 Oct 2008, a NORTH AMERICAN AT-6 operated by Peter Jonathan Houghton was involved in an aviation accident near Arlington, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The front seated pilot's inadequate compensation for the right quartering tailwind and failure to maintain directional control. Also causal was the rear seated pilot's inadequate remedial action and failure to regain directional control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a re-familiarization flight in a tailwheel aircraft, the airplane veered right on landing roll. The rear seat pilot attempted a go-around, but the aircraft exited the runway, struck a knoll, and impacted a windsock segmented circle, causing structural damage.

Flight Purpose and Occupants

The flight was conducted to re-familiarize the front seat pilot, a prospective buyer, with the tailwheel-equipped airplane. The airplane owner, also a rated pilot, occupied the rear seat.

Accident Sequence

During the landing roll on runway 16, the front seat pilot observed the airplane beginning to veer to the right. The rear seat pilot then assumed control and added power in an attempt to execute a go-around. The airplane continued to veer to the right, exited the runway, and became airborne after striking a knoll adjacent to the runway. Subsequently, the left wing struck the ground, and the airplane landed hard, impacting the concrete windsock segmented circle.

Damage and Findings

Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the fuselage and wings. The rear seat pilot reported no anomalies with the flight control system or engine.

Weather Information

Recorded weather data indicated that 12 minutes prior to the accident, the wind was from 330 degrees at 5 knots.

Pilot Reports

As of October 27, 2008, no Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) had been received from either pilot. However, both pilots submitted written statements to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedAbility to respond/compensatePilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome