Accident Overview
On September 11, 2011, at approximately 1027 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-16, registration N5383H, veered off runway 14 and ground looped during takeoff at Muskegon County Airport (MKG) in Muskegon, Michigan. The airplane, registered to and operated by a private pilot, was being used for instructional flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot and a flight instructor were on board; neither was injured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left elevator, and left rudder, and it nosed over.
Sequence of Events
During the initial 120 feet of the takeoff roll on runway 14, which measures 6,100 by 150 feet and is asphalt, the pilot made slight left and right rudder control inputs. Upon reaching approximately 240 feet into the takeoff roll, the airplane swerved to the right and ground looped. The left wing and left elevator struck the ground. The pilot stated that left rudder was not applied soon enough to prevent the ground loop.
According to the flight instructor, when the airplane was about 300 to 400 feet down the runway, it veered toward the right edge, causing the left wing to lift. The instructor attempted to apply corrective control input but felt resistance from the pilot, who was applying opposite control input. The instructor also stated that he told the pilot to reduce engine power, but the pilot did not do so. Subsequently, the left wing and left rudder struck the ground, and the airplane nosed over.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The Piper PA-16 (N5383H) was a single-engine tailwheel aircraft. The private pilot was receiving flight instruction toward a tail wheel endorsement. The flight instructor was on board to provide that instruction. Both occupants were uninjured.
Weather and Flight Plan
Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. A visual flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight, which was destined for Grand Haven Memorial Airpark (3GM) in Grand Haven, Michigan.