Accident Details
On August 2, 2009, at approximately 1353 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Gallagher Junior Ace airplane, registration N413G, experienced a loss of directional control during a crosswind takeoff from runway 18 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The runway measured 8,002 feet by 150 feet and featured dry grooved concrete. The airplane subsequently ground looped, resulting in substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
The instructional flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 and was not operating on a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Poplar Grove Airport near Poplar Grove, Illinois.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot occupied the left seat, which was equipped with rudder pedals with brakes. The airline transport rated pilot, who held a certified flight instructor certificate, was seated in the right seat, which had rudder pedals without brakes. According to the right-seat pilot, at an airspeed of 50 mph he called out "tail coming up." The crosswind procedure at that point required additional right rudder input. However, his right rudder pedal broke off at its weld. He then yelled for the student pilot to apply right rudder. The right-seat pilot reported that the ground loop began and he closed the throttle.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The right-seat pilot stated that he had welded finger strap reinforcements to the left set of rudder pedals, a modification not called for in the aircraft plans. He added that he would now recommend reinforcements on all rudder pedals.
The two occupants—the airline transport rated pilot and the student pilot—were uninjured.