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May 2, 2013 · Adolphson CCK-1865 · N88XC

Bellingham, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 2, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bellingham, WA
Aircraft
Adolphson CCK-1865
Tail Number
N88XC
Operator
Wheels Skis &Floats
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR13CA220

The flight instructor and the private pilot were performing practice takeoff and landings in the amateur-built experimental airplane so the pilot could provide an assessment of the airplane's handling qualities. The flight instructor reported that the pilot made a normal approach with full flaps and that the pilot made a "good landing with a normal touchdown." The pilot then commented that "it's skittish alright," and the airplane began to enter a ground loop. The flight instructor took over the controls, but the airplane exited the runway, continued through at least a portion of the ground loop, and dragged the right wingtip on the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to some right wing ribs and the right aileron. The flight instructor reported that the tower air traffic controller stated that the wind was "light and variable at 4 knots" about that time. The pilot reported that this was his first flight in the accident airplane make and model. Neither the flight instructor nor the pilot reported any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor and the private pilot were performing practice takeoff and landings in the amateur-built experimental airplane, in order to have the pilot provide an assessment of the airplane's handling qualities. The flight instructor reported that he had the pilot make a normal approach with full flaps, and the pilot made a "good landing with a normal touchdown." The pilot then commented that "It's skittish alright," and the airplane began to enter a ground loop. The flight instructor took over the controls, but the airplane exited the runway, continued through at least a portion of the ground loop, and dragged the right wingtip on the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to some right wing ribs and the right aileron. The flight instructor reported that the air traffic control tower stated that the wind was "light and variable at 4 knots" about that time. The pilot reported that this was his first flight in the accident airplane make and model. Neither the flight instructor nor the pilot reported a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:32 PDT
Nearest AirportBellingham International (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length6700 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAdolphson CCK-1865
Tail NumberN88XC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWheels Skis &Floats
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsAdolphson · unk · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 34 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 28 C
Altimeter30.54 inHg
Observation Time01:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data