Piper Super Cub ground loop during training at Annecy Meythet

Casualties unknown • Conséquences et dommages, FR

A Piper PA-19 Super Cub sustained heavy damage after a ground loop occurred during a training flight at Annecy Meythet aerodrome.

What happened

On May 11, 2013, a Piper PA-19 Super Cub, registered F-BOMI, was conducting a training session at the Annecy Meythet aerodrome. Following two touch-and-go maneuvers on an unpaved runway, the student pilot attempted a supervised landing on the paved runway 04. The aircraft made a three-point landing near the beginning of the runway.

During the landing roll, the pilot maintained left control input to account for the wind direction while applying right rudder. As the aircraft decelerated, the pilot gradually pulled the control stick backward. The aircraft suddenly veered to the left, and the student pilot was unable to correct the deviation. The instructor took control, increased engine power, and managed to keep the aircraft on the runway centerline. However, while attempting to continue the maneuver, the aircraft veered to the right, resulting in a 360-degree ground loop. The aircraft came to rest after resting on the left wingtip, causing heavy damage to the airframe.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the flight controls and the pilots' actions during the crosswind landing. The instructor noted that the takeoff attempt was aborted because the student pilot's physical size significantly obstructed forward visibility. Meteorological conditions at the time included a 10-knot wind from 300 degrees, scattered clouds at 3,000 feet, and visibility exceeding 10 km.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by **inappropriate flight control inputs** during a crosswind landing, likely compounded by the limited experience of both pilots on this specific aircraft type.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-05-11 Piper PA 19 Super Cub accident near Conséquences et dommages, FR?

A Piper PA-19 Super Cub sustained heavy damage after a ground loop occurred during a training flight at Annecy Meythet aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-05-11 involved a Piper PA 19 Super Cub, registration F-BOMI, at Conséquences et dommages, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by **inappropriate flight control inputs** during a crosswind landing, likely compounded by the limited experience of both pilots on this specific aircraft type.

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