NORTH AMERICAN AT-6
Blakesburg, IA — September 3, 2010
Event Information
| Date | September 3, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN10CA565 |
| Event ID | 20100928X90559 |
| Location | Blakesburg, IA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.97778, -92.58750 |
| Airport | Antique Airfield |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | NORTH AMERICAN |
| Model | AT-6 |
| 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 excessive airspeed during the landing, which resulted in his decision to perform an intentional ground loop to avoid a runway overrun.
Full Narrative
The pilot "made a short field landing approach 3 pointing the aircraft at the approach end" of the 2,350 foot long by 100 feet wide grass runway. The pilot applied the brakes and "slowing seemed normal." Due to his position in the cockpit and the 3-point landing, the pilot could not "see the end of the runway until it was too late." The pilot then intentionally ground looped the airplane to avoid traveling off the end and into a ravine. The airplane turned 90 degrees and impacted trees. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, witnesses reported the airplane's approach speed was "way too fast for the short runway." Examination of the airplane revealed the forward left wing spar was fractured. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
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.