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NTSB Report
January 16, 2009 · North American SNJ-5 · N7861B
Merritt Island, FL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 16, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Merritt Island, FL
Aircraft
North American SNJ-5
Tail Number
N7861B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA135
The pilot was landing on runway 29 at his destination airport. The winds were from 350 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 18 knots. During the landing rollout, he lost directional control and the airplane ground-looped. The airplane then departed the right side of the runway and impacted a taxiway location sign. The airplane came to rest on the right side of the runway, approximately 1,250 feet from the threshold. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing, both main landing gear, and the propeller. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot of a North American SNJ-5 was landing on runway 29 at his destination airport. The winds were 350 at 15 gusting to 18 knots. During the landing rollout, he lost directional control and the airplane ground looped. The airplane then departed the right side of the runway and impacted a taxiway location sign. The airplane came to rest on the right side of the runway, approximately 1,250 feet from the threshold. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing, both main landing gear, and the propeller. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were reported.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 EST
Nearest AirportMerritt Island (0nm)
Runway29
Runway Length3601 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftNorth American SNJ-5
Tail NumberN7861B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind360° @ 15 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 43 C
Altimeter30.40 inHg
Observation Time22:55
Weather SourceWFAC