PIPER PA-18-150

Full Narrative

On June 22, 2009, at 1430 central daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150, N2320P, operated by the Office of Homeland Security and piloted by a airline transport pilot, was substantially damaged when the airplane ground looped during landing roll at Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airport (E38), Alpine, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The public use flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and passenger on board the airplane received minor injuries. The flight originated at Alpine, Texas, approximately 1345.

According to the pilot, he configured the airplane for a crosswind landing with the application of left aileron and right rudder. The airplane touched down on the main landing gear then bounced and became airborne again. The pilot added power to prepare for a three point landing. The airplane touched down again and immediately veered to the right. The pilot attempted to correct with left rudder and added full power for a go-around. The pilot failed to regain control and the airplane spun 180 degrees off the right side of the runway. The airplane’s left main gear collapsed, causing the propeller and left wing to strike the ground. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies.