Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On November 11, 1999, at 1730 central standard time, a Piper PA-22-135 single-engine airplane, N3311B, owned and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged during takeoff roll at the May Airport near Rose Hill, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from the Weiser Air Park Airport near Houston, Texas, at 1700.
The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that he was practicing takeoffs and landings on runway 35, and had completed two landings. During the ensuing takeoff roll, he looked down to check the flap position and inadvertently pushed the left rudder pedal. The airplane veered to the left, and he made a correction to the right and "pulled back on the throttle." Subsequently, the aircraft "ground looped," and the left wing and left elevator contacted the grass runway, which resulted in substantial damage.
The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that the wind was from 360 degrees at 2-5 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW00LA031