Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane resulting in a ground loop. Contributing factors include the inadequate preflight inspection, the pilot's failure to properly latch the cowling, and the pilot's diverted attention to the open cowling.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
According to the pilot, he had just departed Benton (1K1) when the cowling came open and he elected to return to 1K1. He stated that during the landing roll to runway 35, he "lost control of the airplane," ground looped, and departed the runway to the left. The right wing struck the ground and the outboard 4 feet of the wing was bent up 30 degrees. The wing skin was wrinkled and the main spar was bent. A post-accident examination of the airframe and airplane's systems, conducted by the FAA, revealed no anomalies. The pilot stated that he did not properly latch the cowling.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN06CA054