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April 9, 2008 · Curtiss-Wright Travel Air 4000 · N4418

Carlsbad, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 9, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Carlsbad, CA
Aircraft
Curtiss-Wright Travel Air 4000
Tail Number
N4418
Operator
Barnstormng Adventures
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA095

Following an uneventful commercial air tour sightseeing flight in the 1928 model biplane, the pilot returned to the departure airport and prepared for landing on runway 24. The pilot stated that during his approach, air traffic control tower personal reported that the wind was from 180 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot compensated for the wind by initiating a crab, and he landed on the runway. During the landing rollout the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane's lower right wing impacted the runway as the airplane suddenly reversed direction and ground looped to a stop.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Crosswind correction-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

Following an uneventful commercial air tour sightseeing flight in the 1928 model biplane, the pilot returned to the departure airport and prepared for landing on runway 24. The pilot stated that during his approach, air traffic control tower personnel reported that the wind was from 180 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot stated that he compensated for the wind by initiating a crab, and he landed on the runway. During the landing rollout, the airplane's lower right wing impacted the runway. The airplane suddenly reversed direction and ground looped to a stop. On April 30, 2008, the operator's Director of Maintenance reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he had inspected the accident airplane and found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunction. He reported that, during the ground loop event, three of the lower right wing's ribs were cracked, and its front and rear spars were broken.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:31 PDT
Nearest AirportMcclellan-Palomar (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length4897 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCurtiss-Wright Travel Air 4000
Tail NumberN4418
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBarnstormng Adventures
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWright · R760-8 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 43 C
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time18:09
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data