SHILT JERRY C F-1 ROCKET
Bessimer, AL — April 7, 2017
Event Information
| Date | April 7, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA220 |
| Event ID | 20170408X51906 |
| Location | Bessimer, AL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 33.31333, -86.92528 |
| Airport | BESSEMER |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | SHILT JERRY C |
| Model | F-1 ROCKET |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout in gusting crosswind conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing roll as the tailwheel was almost in contact with the ground, the airplane started to veer to the right. He attempted to correct to the left, but lost directional control, and the airplane ground looped to the left.
During the ground loop, the airplane sustained substantial damage to its right wing and firewall.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system on the airport, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 340° at 10 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot landed on runway 23.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.