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NTSB Report

June 7, 2003 · Kilishek RV-8 · N888GK

Crawford, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 7, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Crawford, TX
Aircraft
Kilishek RV-8
Tail Number
N888GK
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW03LA169

The pilot reported that while on final approach for runway 17, a 1,900 foot long by 120-foot wide grass runway, he stabilized the aircraft at 65 knots, aiming to touch down approximately one third of the way down the runway. The aircraft "floated slightly, then skipped before settling on the ground." The pilot stated the aircraft "touched down longer than he intended, and the aircraft was not slowed sufficiently to stop at the end of the runway." The pilot further stated that he "applied full left ruder (and tailwheel steering) to intentionally ground loop the airplane rather than go into a ditch at the end of the runway." Subsequently, the aircraft nosed over coming to rest in the inverted position.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's intentional ground looping of the airplane. A contributing factor was the pilot's improper in-flight planning resulting in an improper selection of a touchdown point.

Full Narrative

On June 7, 2003, at 1000 central daylight time, an amateur built Kilished RV-8 tailwheel equipped airplane, N888GK, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during landing roll at a private airstrip near Crawford, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot/builder. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from the Lancaster Airport, near Lancaster, Texas, at 0930, and was destined for Scott Airport, near Crawford, Texas. The 967-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that while on final approach for runway 17, a 1,900 foot long, 120-foot wide grass runway, he stabilized the aircraft at 65 knots, aiming to touch down approximately one third of the way down the runway. The aircraft "floated slightly, then skipped before settling on the ground." The pilot stated the aircraft "touched down longer than he intended, and the aircraft was not slowed sufficiently to stop at the end of the runway." The pilot further stated that he "applied full left ruder (and tailwheel steering) to ground loop the airplane rather than go into a ditch at the end of the runway." Subsequently, the aircraft nosed over coming to rest inverted. An examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed that the vertical stabilizer and left wing were structurally damaged, the fuselage was wrinkled near the canopy, and the propeller was bent.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 CDT
Nearest AirportScott Airport (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length1900 ft
Runway Width120 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKilishek RV-8
Tail NumberN888GK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data