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NTSB Report
October 19, 1991 · Winchester Thorp T-18 · N27DW
Walterboro, SC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 19, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Walterboro, SC
Aircraft
Winchester Thorp T-18
Tail Number
N27DW
Operator
Jones Howell C Iii
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL92LA011
THE STUDENT PILOT WAS IN THE LEFT SEAT; HIS FATHER, A COMMERCIAL PILOT (NOT AN INSTRUCTOR), WAS IN THE RIGHT SEAT. WHEEL BRAKE PEDALS WERE INSTALLED ON THE LEFT SIDE ONLY. THE STUDENT WAS LANDING THE AIRPLANE. UPON TOUCHDOWN, THE TAIL WHEEL BEGAN TO SHIMMY, AND THE AIRPLANE DRIFTED TO THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. THE STUDENT APPLIED WHEEL BRAKES, HOWEVER, HE REPORTED THAT HIS RIGHT FOOT INADVERTENTLY PUSHED A FUEL TANK BRACE INSTEAD OF THE RIGHT BRAKE PEDAL. THE AIRPLANE DEPARTED THE RUNWAY TO THE LEFT SIDE, AND GROUND LOOPED. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT
NTSB Probable Cause
THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE WHEEL BRAKES, AND THE SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL FLYING EXPERIENCE AND THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE FLIGHT.
Full Narrative
THE STUDENT PILOT WAS IN THE LEFT SEAT; HIS FATHER, A COMMERCIAL PILOT (NOT AN INSTRUCTOR), WAS IN THE RIGHT SEAT. WHEEL BRAKE PEDALS WERE INSTALLED ON THE LEFT SIDE ONLY. THE STUDENT WAS LANDING THE AIRPLANE. UPON TOUCHDOWN, THE TAIL WHEEL BEGAN TO SHIMMY, AND THE AIRPLANE DRIFTED TO THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. THE STUDENT APPLIED WHEEL BRAKES, HOWEVER, HE REPORTED THAT HIS RIGHT FOOT INADVERTENTLY PUSHED A FUEL TANK BRACE INSTEAD OF THE RIGHT BRAKE PEDAL. THE AIRPLANE DEPARTED THE RUNWAY TO THE LEFT SIDE, AND GROUND LOOPED. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 EDT
Nearest AirportWalterboro Municipal (0nm N)
Runway23
Runway Length5150 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWinchester Thorp T-18
Tail NumberN27DW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJones Howell C Iii
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourceWFAC