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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 5, 1994 · North American T-6G · N3715G

Prairie Du Sac, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Prairie Du Sac, WI
Aircraft
North American T-6G
Tail Number
N3715G
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA148

THE PILOT STATED HE CIRCLED THE AIRPORT THEN MADE A LOW PASS PRIOR TO LANDING ON RUNWAY 18. HE STATED THAT DURING THE LANDING ROLL AS THE TAILWHEEL WAS SETTLING, THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO GROUND LOOP TO THE RIGHT. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE GROUND LOOP; HOWEVER, THE AIRPLANE TRAVELED INTO A FRESHLY PLOWED FIELD THERE THE MAIN GEAR DUG INTO THE TERRAIN AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER.

NTSB Probable Cause

inadequate compensation for wind conditions which resulted in a failure to maintain directional control. Factors associated with the accident were the crosswind conditions and the soft terrain.

Full Narrative

On May 5, 1994, at 1700 central daylight time, a North American T-6G, N3715G, operated by Richard P. James, nosed over after traveling into rough terrain while landing on runway 18 (2,940' x 32') at the Sauk Prairie Airport, Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin, while on a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated from Boscobel, Wisconsin, on May 5, 1994, at 1640 cdt. The pilot stated he circled the airport and noticed a "definite" crosswind from the west at 12 to 15 knots. He stated he then made one low pass and was able to maintain the runway heading using 2/3 of the available rudder control so he decided to land using full flaps. The pilot stated he touched down on the main gear and as the tailwheel began to settle, a "right swerve rapidly developed." The pilot stated he stopped the ground loop using left rudder and brake along with power; however, the airplane was headed toward a freshly plowed field next to the runway. The airplane traveled into the field where the main gear dug into the soft terrain and the airplane nosed over.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 CDT
Nearest AirportSauk-Prairie (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2940 ft
Runway Width32 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNorth American T-6G
Tail NumberN3715G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340-AN1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 9500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 34 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data