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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 6, 2025 · Thorp T18 Undesignat · N18CH

Lake Elmo, MN

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lake Elmo, MN
Aircraft
Thorp T18 Undesignat (1974)
Tail Number
N18CH
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN25LA246

After the completion of the local area flight, the pilot maneuvered the airplane for the approach to the runway. The airplane was not oriented with the runway during approach, so the pilot applied full engine power to perform a go-around. During the go-around, the tailwheel impacted a taxiway sign, and the tailwheel sustained damage. The pilot completed the go-around and landed on the runway. During the landing, there was no tailwheel control due to the previous impact damage from the taxiway sign, and the airplane departed the runway to the right. The airplane came to rest upright on a grass field near the runway. The pilot was able to egress from the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and the underside of the empennage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain obstacle clearance during the go-around, that resulted in the tailwheel impacting a taxiway sign, a subsequent loss of control due to the damaged tailwheel, and a runway excursion during the landing.

Full Narrative

After the completion of the local area flight, the pilot maneuvered the airplane for the approach to the runway. The airplane was not oriented with the runway during approach, so the pilot applied full engine power to perform a go-around. During the go-around, the tailwheel impacted a taxiway sign, and the tailwheel sustained damage. The pilot completed the go-around and landed on the runway. During the landing, there was no tailwheel control due to the previous impact damage from the taxiway sign, and the airplane departed the runway to the right. The airplane came to rest upright on a grass field near the runway. The pilot was able to egress from the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and the underside of the empennage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:56 CDT
Nearest AirportLAKEELMO (0nm S)
Runway14/3
Runway Length3504 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftThorp T18 Undesignat
Tail NumberN18CH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming Engines · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 85 · Basc · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time10:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data