Primary finding
Probable cause
failure of the pilot to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground swerve. The pilot's low total time in conventional gear aircraft was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot initiated a takeoff on runway 27L in calm wind conditions. Witnesses reported that the aircraft was in the initial part of the takeoff roll, when it ground looped to the left. During the occurrence, the right wing was damaged. Review of the pilot's flight time revealed that he had very few hours in a conventional gear aircraft.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 28, 1996, at 0739 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 170A, N1729D, ground looped on the takeoff ground roll at the El Cajon, California, airport. The aircraft was operated by the pilot and was originating as a cross-country personal flight to Borrego Springs, California. No flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and included calm wind conditions. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The certificated private pilot and the three passengers were not injured. The pilot initially spoke with an FAA inspector from the San Diego, California, Flight Standards District Office. The FAA inspector reported that his review of the pilot's flight time revealed that he had very few hours in a conventional gear aircraft. Ground witnesses, including the controllers on duty in the Air Traffic Control Tower, reported that the aircraft was in the initial part of the takeoff ground roll on runway 27L when it ground looped to the left, bending the right wing. -