Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. The pilot's diverted attention while raising the flaps and pushing in the carburetor heat control was a factor in this accident.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings and takeoffs. On the second takeoff, the aircraft ground looped while the pilot was raising the flaps and pushing in the carburetor heat control. The pilot said that the airplane did not experience any preexisting malfunctions or failures. He also said that he should have made a full stop landing, taxied back, and then made a normal takeoff.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 10, 1995, at 0900 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172, N55152, exited runway 19L and ground looped at John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana, California. The pilot was conducting a local visual flight rules personal flight. The airplane, operated by Orange County Flight Center at John Wayne Airport, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at John Wayne Airport at 0830 hours. The pilot said in a telephone interview conducted on November 10, 1995, that he was practicing touch-and-go landings and takeoffs. The airplane bounced on the second landing and he applied power to begin the takeoff roll. He said that he lost directional control of the airplane when raising the flaps and pushing in the carburetor heat control. The pilot also said that the airplane did not experience any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. The pilot reiterated his telephone statement in the aircraft accident report. He also said "I am a relatively new pilot. I was practicing touch and go landing and takeoffs. They are complex maneuvers. I believe [that] coming to a full stop and taxi[ing] back for a regular takeoff would have been safer." -