9 Aug 2009: PIPER PA-18 — CULWELL CHARLES W DBA

9 Aug 2009: PIPER PA-18 — CULWELL CHARLES W DBA

No fatalities • Aspen, CO, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation behind a preceding large business jet, which resulted in an encounter with wake turbulence.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

Prior to takeoff, the pilot was warned by tower controllers to use caution for wake turbulence from a preceding large business jet . During takeoff roll, prior to the tailwheel becoming airborne, the airplane ground-looped to the left and came to rest beside the runway. The pilot stated that the winds were calm and that he did not wait a sufficient amount of time behind the preceding airplane before starting his takeoff. Examination of the airplane revealed a bent right wing spar, bent right horizontal stabilizer and elevator.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • Attain/maintain not possible

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

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