No fatalities

16 Apr 2012: LUSCOMBE 8E — Morne Juan Van Staden — Winslow, AZ

Winslow, AZ, United States

On 16 Apr 2012, a LUSCOMBE 8E operated by Morne Juan Van Staden was involved in an aviation accident near Winslow, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot overcorrected with rudder control during touchdown, resulting in a ground loop. 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

A pilot flying a recently purchased airplane from California to Connecticut ground looped during a fuel stop, overcorrecting with rudder control in light crosswind conditions. The left landing gear failed and the wing was damaged.

Accident Details

A pilot, who had purchased the airplane three days prior, was flying from California to Connecticut. He stopped to land and purchase fuel. According to the pilot, the wind was variable at 3 to 6 knots and generally a right crosswind.

During touchdown, he overcorrected with rudder control, causing the airplane to ground loop to the right. The left main landing gear failed, and the left wing sustained bending and wrinkling damage.

Contributing Factors

The pilot's rudder overcorrection during touchdown in crosswind conditions led to the loss of directional control and subsequent ground loop.

Damage Assessment

The aircraft suffered structural damage to the left main landing gear and left wing.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that the wind was light and variable, and he was landing to refuel when the incident occurred.

Probable cause

The pilot overcorrected with rudder control during touchdown, resulting in a ground loop.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained