Summary
On July 30, 1996, a Waco UPF7 (N29974) was involved in an incident near Payson, AZ. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control on touchdown and the landing ground roll.
On July 30, 1996, about 0830 hours mountain standard time, a Waco UPF7, N29974, ran off the runway, struck an obstruction and ground looped while landing at Payson Airport, Payson, Arizona. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; however, neither the commercial pilot nor his passenger/mechanic was injured. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight when the accident occurred. The flight originated in Payson about 0815 on the day of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan had been filed.
The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that he and his mechanic were performing a maintenance test flight after an engine overhaul.
This incident is documented in NTSB report LAX96LA292. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N29974.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control on touchdown and the landing ground roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 30, 1996, about 0830 hours mountain standard time, a Waco UPF7, N29974, ran off the runway, struck an obstruction and ground looped while landing at Payson Airport, Payson, Arizona. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; however, neither the commercial pilot nor his passenger/mechanic was injured. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight when the accident occurred. The flight originated in Payson about 0815 on the day of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan had been filed.
The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that he and his mechanic were performing a maintenance test flight after an engine overhaul. While on final approach to runway 24, the pilot did not maintain adequate peripheral vision, lost directional control, and ran off the left side of the runway. He attempted a go-around but the aircraft struck an open trench causing it to abruptly yaw about 120 degrees. The left main gear then collapsed which allowed the left wing and propeller to strike the ground.
After the accident the aircraft was moved to a hangar on the Payson airport. A postaccident inspection conducted by an airworthiness inspector found damage to the left wing spars.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX96LA292