N202CL

Substantial
None

CHRISTOPHER VANS RV-4S/N: 4490

Accident Details

Date
Friday, July 10, 2009
NTSB Number
WPR09CA370
Location
Wendover, UT
Event ID
20090727X10710
Coordinates
40.717777, -114.025276
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate flare during touchdown and failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N202CL
Make
CHRISTOPHER
Serial Number
4490
Model / ICAO
VANS RV-4

Analysis

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he configured the airplane for landing and continued on a stabilized approach to the destination runway. As he maneuvered the airplane into a flare, the tail wheel touched down on the runway surface. The pilot applied full power in an effort to abort the landing. The resulting torque from the power increase led to the airplane's nose veering to the left. The airplane ground looped to the left leaving the runway surface. The wings both impacted the ground and the airplane nosed over.

As a result of the impact, the airplane sustained damage to the wings. In the pilot's written submission to the Safety Board (NTSB Form 6120.1; Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report), in the section titled RECOMMENDATION (How could this accident/incident have been prevented), the pilot stated that he needed "more practice." The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA370