N2102

Substantial
Minor

McCurdy Pro Star PT-2S/N: JHM96

Accident Details

Date
Monday, March 16, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA215
Location
Springfield, IL
Event ID
20090316X63351
Coordinates
39.844165, -89.678054
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
MCCURDY
Serial Number
JHM96
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1997
Model / ICAO
Pro Star PT-2
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PRO STAR PT-2

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SMITH KENNETH W
Address
2903 KIPLING CT
City
SPRINGFIELD
State / Zip Code
IL 62711-7975
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that runway 31 was the active runway and the local winds were calm to light-and-variable. After departure, the pilot was cleared for a full-stop landing on runway 31. While the airplane was on final approach, the local air traffic controller stated the wind was 150-degrees magnetic at 5 knots. The pilot performed a three-point landing on the runway centerline, touching down at approximately 40 mph. He reported that the tailwheel bounced after touchdown, after which the airplane immediately began veering to the right. He was unable to correct for the right swerve using a combination of rudder and brake inputs. He ultimately applied full right brake pressure in an attempt to ground loop the airplane on the hard runway surface. During the ground loop the left main landing gear encountered soft terrain located off the right side of the runway and the left wing tip then impacted the ground. The left wing was substantially damaged. The accident occurred during the first flight since the tailwheel-equipped airplane had been rebuilt. Examination of the flight controls, brake system, and tailwheel assembly revealed no anomalies that could be associated with a preimpact failure or malfunction.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA215