NORTH AMERICAN SNJ-5
Merritt Island, FL, January 16, 2009
Event Information
| Date | January 16, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Merritt Island, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 28.33972, -80.68639 |
| Airport | Merritt Island |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | ERA09CA135 |
| Event ID | 20090116X21347 |
Aircraft
| Make | NORTH AMERICAN |
| Model | SNJ-5 |
| Registration # | N7861B |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DUSK |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing in windy conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot of a North American SNJ-5 was landing on runway 29 at his destination airport. The winds were 350 at 15 gusting to 18 knots. During the landing rollout, he lost directional control and the airplane ground looped. The airplane then departed the right side of the runway and impacted a taxiway location sign. The airplane came to rest on the right side of the runway, approximately 1,250 feet from the threshold. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing, both main landing gear, and the propeller. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were reported.
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.