Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to practice low approaches to runway 9. After completing several low approaches the pilot landed on a 1,500-foot grass strip located on the right side of runway 9. The pilot stated that, immediately after touchdown, the airplane was “pushed” by the wind and ground-looped, which resulted in a buckled firewall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical or flight control anomalies prior to the accident. The closest weather observation station (located about 16 nautical miles northwest of the accident site) reported wind out of 030 degrees at 6 knots about the time of the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to practice low approaches to runway 9. He completed several low approaches during the flight, and on the final approach of the flight, the pilot elected to land on a 1,500 foot grass strip between two runway turnoffs. Immediately after touchdown, the pilot stated that the airplane was “pushed” by the wind and ground-looped. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane was substantially damaged with a buckled firewall. The pilot did not report any mechanical or flight control anomalies prior to the accident. The closest weather observation station was at Washington County Airport (AFJ) and indicated that winds were out of 030 degrees at 6 knots about the time of the accident.