# NTSB FTW00LA031: Piper PA-22-135, N3311B, Rose Hill, TX, November 11, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 11, 1999, 17:30 local (23:30 UTC) - Place: Rose Hill, TX - Coordinates: 30.08926, -95.610198 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.0893&lon=-95.6102&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report March 2, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 47756 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW00LA031 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47756/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW00LA031 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command ## Analysis The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings on runway 35, and had completed two landings. During the ensuing takeoff roll, the pilot looked down to check the flap position and inadvertently pushed the left rudder pedal. The airplane veered to the left, and the pilot made a correction to the right and 'pulled back on the throttle.' Subsequently, the aircraft 'ground looped' which resulted in the left wing and left elevator contacting the grass runway. The pilot reported that the wind was from 360 degrees at 2-5 knots. ## Factual narrative On November 11, 1999, at 1730 central standard time, a Piper PA-22-135 single-engine airplane, N3311B, owned and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged during takeoff roll at the May Airport near Rose Hill, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from the Weiser Air Park Airport near Houston, Texas, at 1700. The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that he was practicing takeoffs and landings on runway 35, and had completed two landings. During the ensuing takeoff roll, he looked down to check the flap position and inadvertently pushed the left rudder pedal. The airplane veered to the left, and he made a correction to the right and "pulled back on the throttle." Subsequently, the aircraft "ground looped," and the left wing and left elevator contacted the grass runway, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that the wind was from 360 degrees at 2-5 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3311B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3311B), registered now, S/N 22-2126, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-22-135 - Registry model: [Piper PA-22-135](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-135) (registry code 7102206) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 22-2126 - Airframe hours: 2793 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: John H. Riddick Jr. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 21, 1999, 15 hours before - Departed: EYQ, HOUSTON, TX - Destination: T51, HOUSTON, TX - Airport: T51, May, runway 35, 3,440 × 50 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 155 total, 24 in this make and model, 97 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 360° at 5 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19991111031729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19991111031729A), Nov 11, 1999: Piper PA22135, Houston, TX, Substantial damage. (.19) On November 11, 1999, at 1730 central standard time, a Piper PA-22-135 single-engine airplane, N3311B, owned and operated by the pilot, was substantially… ## Other investigations on N3311B (2) 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. - [NTSB MIA96LA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA091), Mar 3, 1996: Piper PA-22/20-150 (N3311B), Merritt Island, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and an inadvertent ground swerve. The crosswind was a related… - [NTSB OAK65D0074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK65D0074), May 15, 1965: Piper PA-22 (N3311B), Fair Oaks, CA, substantial damage 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.