# NTSB DFW08LA118: Vickers Spitfire, N308WK, Galveston, TX, April 26, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 26, 2008, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC) - Place: Galveston, TX - Coordinates: 29.270051, -94.855158 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.2701&lon=-94.8552&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Landing-landing roll: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); [Landing-landing roll: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 3, 2008 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 67895 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW08LA118 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/67895/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08LA118 ## Probable cause (aircraft 2) The Hurricane pilot's failure to maintain directional control during roll-out. Contributing factors were the restricted forward visibility of the tail-wheel equipped Spitfire, the lack of communication to the other aircraft following the Hurricane, and the limited view of the runway by the airboss. ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) The Hurricane pilot's failure to maintain directional control during roll-out. Contributing to the accident were the restricted forward visibility of the tail-wheel equipped Spitfire, the lack of communication to the other aircraft following the Hurricane, and the limited view of the runway by the airboss. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Physical workspace: visibility](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03041020): Environmental issues › Task environment · Effect on personnel (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Vickers SPITFIRE MARK IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03041020/cases.md?model=9470112), [All aircraft, 25 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03041020/cases.md) - [Oversight: oversight of operation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/04032015): Organizational issues › Support/oversight/monitoring · Other institution/organization (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Vickers SPITFIRE MARK IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/04032015/cases.md?model=9470112), [All aircraft, 61 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/04032015/cases.md) - [Communication (personnel): lack of communication](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063510): Personnel issues › Task performance · Not specified (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Vickers SPITFIRE MARK IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063510/cases.md?model=9470112), [All aircraft, 84 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063510/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Vickers SPITFIRE MARK IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=9470112), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Canadian Car & Foundry HURRICANE MKXII, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=1922832), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Oversight: oversight of operation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/04032015): Organizational issues › Support/oversight/monitoring · Other institution/organization (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Canadian Car & Foundry HURRICANE MKXII, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/04032015/cases.md?model=1922832), [All aircraft, 61 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/04032015/cases.md) - [Communication (personnel): lack of communication](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063510): Personnel issues › Task performance · Not specified (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Canadian Car & Foundry HURRICANE MKXII, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063510/cases.md?model=1922832), [All aircraft, 84 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063510/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Canadian Car & Foundry HURRICANE MKXII, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=1922832), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing-landing roll: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Vickers SPITFIRE MARK IX, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=9470112), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Canadian Car & Foundry HURRICANE MKXII, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=1922832), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Canadian Car & Foundry HURRICANE MKXII, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=1922832), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 2) A Hurricane and Spitfire, with several other airplanes, had participated in an aerial demonstration for an airshow. During the landing sequence and with aircraft in trail, the lead pilot radioed, "Everyone is going all the way to the end" [of the runway]. It was also noted that its "normal airshow practice" to land on the same side of the runway from which the takeoff was preformed. The Spitfire pilot expected the Hurricane airplane to exit the runway at the end so after landing, he was only applied light braking. The Spitfire pilot reported that during a 3-point landing in the Spitfire forward visibility is restricted. The Hurricane airplane had drifted to the left side of the runway and ground looped and was attempting to return to the right side of the runway then it was struck by the Spitfire. The pilot of the Hurricane reported that "the right brake failed to respond" The Hurricane was equipped with the original style pneumatic brake system and on April 28, 2008 the brakes on the Hurricane were examined. The examination revealed that the airplane’s brake system was still holding pressure. The airplane was then jacked and both wheels turned freely, the brakes were activated together and then separately; no problem with the brakes were noted. ## Analysis (aircraft 1) A Hurricane and Spitfire, with several other airplanes, had participated in an aerial demonstration for an airshow. During the landing sequence and with aircraft in trail, the lead pilot radioed, "Everyone is going all the way to the end" [of the runway]. It was also noted that its "normal airshow practice" to land on the same side of the runway from which the takeoff was preformed. The Spitfire pilot expected the Hurricane airplane to exit the runway at the end so after landing, he was only applied light braking. The Spitfire pilot reported that during a 3-point landing in the Spitfire forward visibility is restricted. The Hurricane airplane had drifted to the left side of the runway and ground looped and was attempting to return to the right side of the runway then it was struck by the Spitfire. The pilot of the Hurricane reported that "the right brake failed to respond" The Hurricane was equipped with the original style pneumatic brake system and on April 28, 2008 the brakes on the Hurricane were examined. The examination revealed that the airplane’s brake system was still holding pressure. The airplane was then jacked and both wheels turned freely, the brakes were activated together and then separately; no problem with the brakes were noted. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 2) On April 26, 2008, about 1430 central daylight time, a 1944 Vickers Spitfire airplane, N308WK, collided with a 1941 Canadian Car and Foundry Hurricane airplane, N96RW during landing roll-out on the runway at the Scholes International Airport, (GLS), Galveston, Texas. Both airplanes were substantially damaged, and neither pilot was injured by the collision. The Spitfire was owned and operated by a private individual and the Hurricane was operated by the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame museum, Galveston, Texas. Both aircraft had participated in an aerial demonstration, with several other aircraft. The Spitfire pilot reported that at the conclusion of the demonstration and with the aircraft in-line for landing; the spacing (between airplanes) "seemed normal as per-standard airshow practice". He reported that as the lead airplane turned onto final approach, the lead pilot radioed, "Everyone is going all the way to the end" [of the runway], and with other airplanes landing behind you, that was "standard airshow practice". The Spitfire pilot added that it was also "normal airshow practice" to land on the same side of the runway that you took off from. The pilot reported that since he expected the Hurricane to exit the runway at the end, he was only applying light braking during the landing roll-out. The Spitfire pilot also reported that during a 3-point landing in the Spitfire; forward visibility is restricted, and without a radio call, was not aware that the Hurricane pilot was having a problem. The Hurricane pilot reported that after landing and while attempting to roll the length of the runway "at a brisk tax speed, the right brake failed to respond" and the airplane ground looped to the left. He added that after the airplane stopped, the right brake still would not work, and he was struck from behind (by the Spitfire), while attempting to return to the right side of the runway. The airboss for the event reported that he cleared the airplanes to start their landing sequence. He added that he was able to watch the airplanes as they touched down, but was not able to see their rollout due to parked aircraft in front of his position. He further added that he had multiple aircraft in the air, and he was keeping an eye on spacing. The airboss was not aware of a problem until a marshaller notified him. The museum's director of maintenance reported that the Hurricane was equipped with the original style pneumatic brake system and on April 28, 2008 the brakes on the Hurricane were examined. The examination revealed that the airplane's brake system was still holding pressure. The airplane was then jacked and both wheels turned freely, the brakes were activated together and then separately; no problem with the brakes were noted. The maintenance director added that the Hurricane’s brakes were meant for stopping, and that heavy application of the brakes could result in the brakes getting "hot and fading away". At 1452, the automated weather observing system at Scholes International Airport (GLS), reported wind variable at 4 knots, 10 miles visibility, a clear sky, temperature 81-degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 59-degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.97 inches of Mercury. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) On April 26, 2008, about 1430 central daylight time, a 1944 Vickers Spitfire airplane, N308WK, collided with a 1941 Canadian Car and Foundry Hurricane airplane, N96RW during landing roll-out on the runway at the Scholes International Airport, (GLS), Galveston, Texas. Both airplanes were substantially damaged, and neither pilot was injured by the collision. The Spitfire was owned and operated by a private individual and the Hurricane was operated by the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame museum, Galveston, Texas. Both aircraft had participated in an aerial demonstration, with several other aircraft. The Spitfire pilot reported that at the conclusion of the demonstration and with the aircraft in-line for landing; the spacing (between airplanes) "seemed normal as per-standard airshow practice". He reported that as the lead airplane turned onto final approach, the lead pilot radioed, "Everyone is going all the way to the end" [of the runway], and with other airplanes landing behind you, that was "standard airshow practice". The Spitfire pilot added that it was also "normal airshow practice" to land on the same side of the runway that you took off from. The pilot reported that since he expected the Hurricane to exit the runway at the end, he was only applying light braking during the landing roll-out. The Spitfire pilot also reported that during a 3-point landing in the Spitfire; forward visibility is restricted, and without a radio call, was not aware that the Hurricane pilot was having a problem. The Hurricane pilot reported that after landing and while attempting to roll the length of the runway "at a brisk tax speed, the right brake failed to respond" and the airplane ground looped to the left. He added that after the airplane stopped, the right brake still would not work, and he was struck from behind (by the Spitfire), while attempting to return to the right side of the runway. The airboss for the event reported that he cleared the airplanes to start their landing sequence. He added that he was able to watch the airplanes as they touched down, but was not able to see their rollout due to parked aircraft in front of his position. He further added that he had multiple aircraft in the air, and he was keeping an eye on spacing. The airboss was not aware of a problem until a marshaller notified him. The museum's director of maintenance reported that the Hurricane was equipped with the original style pneumatic brake system and on April 28, 2008 the brakes on the Hurricane were examined. The examination revealed that the airplane's brake system was still holding pressure. The airplane was then jacked and both wheels turned freely, the brakes were activated together and then separately; no problem with the brakes were noted. The maintenance director added that the Hurricane’s brakes were meant for stopping, and that heavy application of the brakes could result in the brakes getting "hot and fading away". At 1452, the automated weather observing system at Scholes International Airport (GLS), reported wind variable at 4 knots, 10 miles visibility, a clear sky, temperature 81-degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 59-degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.97 inches of Mercury. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N308WK](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N308WK-2019-10-04), registration cancelled 2019-10-04, S/N MK9-TE308, built 1944 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: VICKERS Spitfire - Registry model: [Vickers SPITFIRE MARK IX](https://openairdocs.org/model/vickers-spitfire-mark-ix) (registry code 9470112) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rolls-Royce MERLIN](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rolls-royce-merlin) (registry code 54502, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: MK9-TE308 - Airframe hours: 2526 - Engines: Rolls Royce Merlin 76 1710 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Air race/show, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, December 5, 2007 - Departed: KGLS, Galveston, TX - Destination: Galveston, TX - Airport: KGLS, Scholes International Airport, runway 17, 6,001 × 150 ft, concrete ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N96RW](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N96RW), registered now, S/N CCF 96 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Canadian Car & Foundry Hurricane - Registry model: [Canadian Car & Foundry HURRICANE MKXII](https://openairdocs.org/model/canadian-car-foundry-hurricane-mkxii) (registry code 1922832) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pkrd-Roll V1650 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pkrd-roll-v1650-series) (registry code 49001, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: CCF96 - Engines: Rolls Royce V1650 1200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Air race/show, Part 91 - Operator: Texas Aviation Hall of Fame - Registered owner: Texas Aviation Hall of Fame - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, November 1, 2007 - Departed: KGLS, Galveston, TX - Destination: KGLS, Galveston, TX - Airport: KGLS, Scholes International Airport, runway 17, 6,001 × 150 ft, concrete ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N308WK; age 64; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 7, 2007; seat: front; flight hours: 3,500 total, 1,025 in this make and model, 3,300 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days - Pilot, aircraft N96RW; age 59; injuries: none; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review April 24, 2008; seat: single; flight hours: 25,150 total, 3 in this make and model, 12 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 57 °F - Altimeter: 29.98 inHg - Observed at: KGLS ## FAA reports on this event (2) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20080426834299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080426834299A), Apr 26, 2008: Amtr SPITFIRE, Galveston, TX, Substantial damage. (-23)The PIC of 308WK (Spitfire) landed at gls on rwy 17. He was landing in sequence behind N96RW (hurricane) with about 20 seconds of spacing. The PIC of… - [Accident 20080426834289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080426834289A), Apr 26, 2008: Amtr HURRICANE, Galveston, TX, Substantial damage. (-23) The PIC of N96RW (Hurricane) had landed on rwy 17 at gls. The pilot was on rollout with the tail down o the rightside of the runway. After landing the… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.