Accident Overview
On June 22, 2009, at 1430 central daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150, registration N2320P, operated by the Office of Homeland Security, was substantially damaged during a ground loop on the landing roll at Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airport (E38), Alpine, Texas. The pilot, an airline transport pilot, and a passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The public use flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The flight originated from Alpine, Texas, at approximately 1345.
Pilot Actions and Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, he configured the airplane for a crosswind landing with left aileron and right rudder. The airplane touched down on the main landing gear, bounced, and became airborne again. The pilot added power to prepare for a three-point landing. On touchdown, the airplane immediately veered to the right. The pilot attempted to correct with left rudder and added full power for a go-around. However, control was not regained, and the airplane spun 180 degrees off the right side of the runway. The left main landing gear collapsed, causing the propeller and left wing to strike the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The airplane was a Piper PA-18-150, equipped with a single engine. The operator was the Office of Homeland Security. The aircraft was registered as N2320P.