Aircraft: Luscombe 8E. Injuries: None. Location: Taunton, Mass. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: At the time of landing the wind was reported as variable from 30° to 300° gusting from 12 knots to 22 knots. The touchdown was uneventful, however, on the landing roll, at taxi speed, a strong crosswind gust exceeded rudder authority, causing the airplane to ground loop.The pilot applied the brakes, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadvertent application of the brakes during recovery from a ground loop, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB Identification: ERA11CA199
This March 2011 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
In order to avoid damage in a ground loop: 1) close the throttle 2) hold full back pressure on the stick 3) stay off the brakes.