N4418

Substantial
None

Curtiss-Wright Travel Air 4000S/N: 378

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
NTSB Number
LAX08CA095
Location
Carlsbad, CA
Event ID
20080508X00630
Coordinates
32.789756, -116.960517
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate crosswind compensation and failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CURTISS-WRIGHT
Serial Number
378
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1928
Model / ICAO
Travel Air 4000
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
TRAVEL AIR 4000

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
AEROSPACE TRUST MANAGEMENT LLC TRUSTEE
Address
1013 CENTRE RD STE 403A
City
WILMINGTON
State / Zip Code
DE 19805-1270
Country
United States

Analysis

Following an uneventful commercial air tour sightseeing flight in the 1928 model biplane, the pilot returned to the departure airport and prepared for landing on runway 24. The pilot stated that during his approach, air traffic control tower personnel reported that the wind was from 180 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot stated that he compensated for the wind by initiating a crab, and he landed on the runway. During the landing rollout, the airplane's lower right wing impacted the runway. The airplane suddenly reversed direction and ground looped to a stop.

On April 30, 2008, the operator's Director of Maintenance reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he had inspected the accident airplane and found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunction. He reported that, during the ground loop event, three of the lower right wing's ribs were cracked, and its front and rear spars were broken.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX08CA095