The pilot of the Aeronca Champ and a passenger took off from a private airport in Caldewell, Idaho, with the intent of landing at a public airport some three miles away.
The pilot made a short field landing on Runway 12, brought the airplane to a stop, then added power for another takeoff.
As he advanced the throttle, the airplane veered to the right. Attempts to regain control resulted in the airplane swerving to the left and going off the side of the runway.
Neither the pilot or his passenger were hurt as the airplane ground looped. Both wings sustained substantial damage.
The weather about the time of the accident included wind from 360° at 6 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions and that he lost control due to a wind gust.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s loss of directional control after an encounter with a wind gust during takeoff.
NTSB Identification: WPR13CA179
This April 2013 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.
360* @ 6kts on 12 is a light quartering tailwind anyway you look at it. If there is a gust factor too it can be deadly. The opposite end to 12 is 30. Sixty degrees at six knots should be lots easier to handle even if with gusts.
We all make mistakes, unfortunately sometimes if can catch up with us. Should of back tracked and departed on 30.
Look at the windsock, it’s your best friend. “In the little end, out the big end”.