Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing which resulted in a ground loop. A factor in the accident was the crosswind.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On April 4, 2003, about 1800 eastern standard time, a Waco YOC, N15244, was substantially damaged during a ground loop while landing at the Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), Allentown, Pennsylvania. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight that departed Salisbury, Maryland, about 1600. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
According to the pilot, when he returned to land at ABE, he landed on runway 6, a 7,600 foot long, 150 foot wide, asphalt runway. He said there was a cross wind from 100 degrees at 20 to 25 knots. After touchdown, a gust of wind caught the right wing and the tail wheeled airplane ground looped, which resulted in damage to the left lower wing. The pilot did not report any mechanical difficulties with the airplane. Winds reported at 1751, at Allentown, were from 110 degrees at 12 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# NYC03LA077