On the Record: Pietenpol– Florida

Experimental Aviator
Updated:
Ron Wanttaja
By Ron Wanttaja
View of substantial damage to left lift strut. (Photo: FAA)

April 23, 2016

During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a crosswind gust and the pilot applied right rudder. A subsequent wind gust lifted the right wing, triggering a ground loop to the right, and the airplane exited the right side of the runway. The airplane was headed for a water drainage catch basin, and the pilot decided to add full power and attempt to fly out of the ground loop in an effort to avoid it. The right wheel of the airplane collided with the perimeter of the catch basin, and the airplane spun to the right.

NTSB Final Report

NTSB Docket

Ron Wanttaja
Ron Wanttaja
Ron Wanttaja is a retired space systems engineer. During a 40-year career, he helped design, build, test, launch, and operate 18 spacecraft, including the International Space Station. On the aviation side, he has owned a Bowers Fly Baby since 1996 and flew the original prototype for seven years before acquiring his own. He lives just outside of Portland, Oregon, with his wife, romance novelist Lisa McAllister.

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Dan Marotta
Dan Marotta
26 days ago

Nice try at recovery. Too bad it didn’t work as hoped.

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