Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff and the certificated flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot started the takeoff roll and the airplane ground-looped prior to liftoff. The certificated flight instructor unsuccessfully attempted to regain control; however, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway. The right wing main spar and several ribs were bent as a result of the accident sequence.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 11, 20104, at 1145 mountain daylight time, an Aeronca 11CC, N4546E, was substantially damaged when it ground looped during takeoff at Grant County Airport (SVC), Silver City, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident. The instructional flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 without a flight plan. The student pilot and flight instructor on board the airplane were not injured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the flight instructor's aircraft accident report, the pilot started the takeoff roll and the airplane ground looped prior to liftoff. The instructor tried to regain control but to no avail. The airplane veered off the left side of runway 26. The right wing main spar and several ribs were bent, and the right main landing gear was separated. No anomalies with the airplane were found. The accident report submitted by the pilot corroborated the instructor's report.