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NTSB Report

November 13, 2004 · Great Lakes 2T-1A · N502GL

San Diego, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 13, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
San Diego, CA
Aircraft
Great Lakes 2T-1A
Tail Number
N502GL
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX05LA037

On the landing rollout the airplane ground looped. The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that he was demonstrating a forward slip to lose altitude for landing. As the airplane was rolling out, he attempted to slow down by adding light pressure on both heel brakes. The airplane began a right turn, and he counteracted with additional pressure on the left brake, but there was no response. The airplane swerved off the runway and ground looped. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane's brake system. When he depressed the brakes he found them a little spongy but completely operational.

NTSB Probable Cause

the flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout.

Full Narrative

On November 13, 2004, at 1430 Pacific standard time, a Great Lakes 2T-1A, N502GL, ground looped on the landing rollout on runway 28L at Montgomery Field Airport (MYF), San Diego, California. Associated Aircraft, Inc., operated the airplane as an instructional flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area instructional flight that departed MYF at 0900. A stop was made at Borrego Valley Airport (L08), Borrego Springs, California. The flight departed L08 for Montgomery at 1335. The flight was destined for Montgomery Field. According to the CFI, the purpose of the flight was to provide a conventional gear airplane checkout for the private pilot. They encountered no discrepancies with the flight until the landing rollout at MYF. The CFI reported that on approach he took the flight controls to demonstrate a forward slip to lose altitude. He indicated that this was a normal approach as the airplane is not equipped with flaps. He made a normal three-point landing, and as the airplane was rolling out straight with the control stick full back, he attempted to slow down with light pressure on both heel brakes. The airplane started a right turn, and he counteracted with the left brake; however, there was no response. The airplane swerved off the runway and ground looped to the right. The lower left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane came to rest on its nose. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane's brake system and found that the brakes were a little "spongy" when he depressed them, but functioned normally. There were no further mechanical discrepancies noted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 PST
Nearest AirportMontgomery Field (0nm)
Runway28L
Runway Length3401 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGreat Lakes 2T-1A
Tail NumberN502GL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 140
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 70 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 48
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data