Accident Details
Date
Friday, August 31, 2012
NTSB Number
WPR12CA381
Location
Gerlach, NV
Event ID
20120901X24524
Coordinates
40.990833, -118.961944
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
4
Total Aboard
4
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Name
SWIHART MATTHEW
Address
811 OAK ST
City
HOOD RIVER
State / Zip Code
OR 97031-1815
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot said that he had landed on a small dry lake bed or playa. He departed with a light left crosswind, and the airplane began to weathervane to the left. He said he was unable to counteract the left turning tendency with the rudder, so he aborted the takeoff. During the application of brakes, the aircraft ground looped to the left bending the right wing and horizontal stabilizer.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA381