N350CC

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-18S/N: 18-1172

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, August 9, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA544
Location
Aspen, CO
Event ID
20090826X74839
Coordinates
39.223056, -106.868888
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 failure to maintain adequate separation behind a preceding large business jet, which resulted in an encounter with wake turbulence.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-1172
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1951
Model / ICAO
PA-18PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
YELLOW BIRD ADVENTURES LLC
Address
815 BRAZOS ST STE 500
City
AUSTIN
State / Zip Code
TX 78701-2509
Country
United States

Analysis

Prior to takeoff, the pilot was warned by tower controllers to use caution for wake turbulence from a preceding large business jet . During takeoff roll, prior to the tailwheel becoming airborne, the airplane ground-looped to the left and came to rest beside the runway. The pilot stated that the winds were calm and that he did not wait a sufficient amount of time behind the preceding airplane before starting his takeoff. Examination of the airplane revealed a bent right wing spar, bent right horizontal stabilizer and elevator.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA544