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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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August 18, 2017 · Boeing E75 Undesignat · N4859N

Centerville, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 18, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Centerville, TN
Aircraft
Boeing E75 Undesignat (1943)
Tail Number
N4859N
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA504

The pilot receiving instruction reported that, during the landing roll before stopping, the tailwheel-equipped biplane "made a sudden move to [the] left." He added that the flight instructor's quick reactions kept the biplane on the runway and going straight. The pilot then regained control of the biplane, and the left wing dropped and "despite corrective inputs on the controls would not respond to further control inputs," and the airplane then ground looped to the right. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the biplane came to rest nose down on the runway. The biplane sustained substantial damage to all four wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that "it was [his] personal contention and belief that the upper left gear failed[,] resulting in substantial damage to the [biplane] and the resultant ground loop." He added that "[he] did not believe that this particular incident could have been prevented." A review of a video of the accident showed, in part, a loss of control early in the landing roll, followed by a subsequent loss of control and ground loop to the right.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

The pilot, who was receiving instruction, reported that during the landing roll prior to stopping, the tailwheel-equipped biplane "made a sudden move to [the] left." He added that, quick reactions by the flight instructor kept the biplane on the runway and going straight. The biplane once again under the control of the pilot, then "dropped the left wing and despite corrective inputs on the controls would not respond to further control inputs" and ground looped to the right. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed and the biplane came to rest nose down on the runway. The biplane sustained substantial damage to all four wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that, "it was [his] personal contention and belief that the upper left gear failed[,] resulting in substantial damage to the [biplane] and the resultant ground loop." He added that, "[he] did not believe that this particular incident could have been prevented." A review of a video of the accident that was submitted, showed in part a loss of control early in the landing roll, followed by a subsequent loss of control and ground loop to the right.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:40 CDT
Nearest AirportCenterville Muni (0nm N)
Runway20
Runway Length4002 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing E75 Undesignat
Tail NumberN4859N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · W670-6N · Reciprocating · 220
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 55 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt, gusting 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data