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CFI ground loops J-3 Cub

By NTSB · October 2, 2019 ·

The flight instructor of the tailwheel-equipped Piper J-3 Cub reported that the purpose of the flight was to demonstrate a short-field takeoff at the airport in Yakima, Washington, to a student.

During the takeoff roll, about rotation speed, the left wing unexpectedly dropped and hit the ground.

Subsequently, the plane ground looped and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.

The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable cause: The flight instructor’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

NTSB Identification: GAA18CA001

This October 2017 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.

About NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. It determines the probable causes of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

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Comments

  1. Jim Macklin says

    October 3, 2019 at 8:47 pm

    I did just look at what little was available on the NTSB site. The CFI was n experienced senior citizen and his student was just few years younger.
    Wind was light and variable. It was a hard surface runway.
    Slow reaction times were probably a factor.

  2. Jim Macklin says

    October 3, 2019 at 8:21 pm

    Not said, runway type and condition. Not said wind including gusts.
    Not said time in type and time last 30 and 90 days.
    A J3 is flown from the rear seat and has heel brakes.
    Many newer version of the J3 are flown from the front seat and have toe braes installed.
    I’ll have read the full NTSB report if one is available. Probably pilot error” or decision making weather, runway, maintenance and pilot qualifictions

  3. Dave says

    October 3, 2019 at 2:00 pm

    Must have been that fantastic torque that the J-3 developes. I think that I might find another flight instructor.

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