N11HP

Substantial
None

North American SNJ-5S/N: 90735

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, September 22, 2007
NTSB Number
CHI07CA303
Location
Bloomington, IL
Event ID
20071116X01801
Coordinates
40.477222, -88.916114
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff roll which resulted in a ground loop.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
NORTH AMERICAN
Serial Number
90735
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1943
Model / ICAO
SNJ-5B25
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
SNJ-5

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WHISKEY BEND AEROSPACE LLC
Address
976 HEUHSLEIN RD
City
PORT ANGELES
State / Zip Code
WA 98362-9509
Country
United States

Analysis

The airplane ground looped during takeoff roll. The pilot reported that the airplane started to veer to the left as he increased engine power for the takeoff roll on runway 11 (6,525 feet by 150 feet, concrete). The pilot reduced engine power to idle as the airplane departed off the left side of the runway. The right wingtip, tip rib, and aileron were damaged during the ground loop. The pilot reported that his rapid advance of engine power and inadequate use of up-elevator (backstick) contributed to the tail becoming prematurely airborne and the subsequent loss of directional control. The winds were reported to be variable at 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# CHI07CA303