Summary
On July 07, 2007, a Piper PA-20-135 (N1576A) was involved in an incident near State College, PA. All 1 person 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 of the airplane.
The pilot stated to an FAA inspector that the landing was normal and during the landing roll-out while on the runway, he applied light braking to make a 180-degree turn. The airplane ground looped to the left causing the left main landing gear to collapse and the left wing to contact the runway.
According to FAA personnel who examined the airplane, the main spar of the left wing was bent upward. A repair estimated provided by a mechanic who performed a visual inspection of the airplane indicated the left wing needed to be replaced. Pictures provided to NTSB by the mechanic showed wrinkling of the fabric on the upper surface of the left wing. The wrinkling was located at a 45-degree angle between 3 ribs.
This incident is documented in NTSB report MIA07CA118. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N1576A.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot stated to an FAA inspector that the landing was normal and during the landing roll-out while on the runway, he applied light braking to make a 180-degree turn. The airplane ground looped to the left causing the left main landing gear to collapse and the left wing to contact the runway.
According to FAA personnel who examined the airplane, the main spar of the left wing was bent upward. A repair estimated provided by a mechanic who performed a visual inspection of the airplane indicated the left wing needed to be replaced. Pictures provided to NTSB by the mechanic showed wrinkling of the fabric on the upper surface of the left wing. The wrinkling was located at a 45-degree angle between 3 ribs.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA07CA118