# NTSB LAX95LA294: Thorp T18, N8032Q, Sedona, AZ, August 14, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 14, 1995, 11:50 local (18:50 UTC)
- Place: Sedona, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.940898, -111.939804 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9409&lon=-111.9398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 27, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 29187
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX95LA294
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29187/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA294

## Probable cause

the pilot's loss of directional control in gusty tail wind conditions during the landing roll.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - high density altitude
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, landing - roll

## Analysis

The pilot landed on runway 03 with a tail wind from 170 to 200 degrees and lost directional control during the landing roll. The winds were 7 knots, gusting to 14 knots, with a density altitude of 7,800 feet. There was no reported mechanical problems with the aircraft.

## Factual narrative

On August 14, 1995, at 1150 hours mountain standard time, an experimental Thorp T18, N8032Q, ground looped during a landing on runway 03 at Sedona, Arizona.  Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time for the personal cross-country flight that originated from Santa Fe, New Mexico.  The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing and the two occupants were not injured.  The pilot reportedly filed a VFR flight plan before departing Santa Fe and there is no record of him receiving a weather briefing.

The winds at Sedona at the time were reported to be from 170 to 200 degrees at 7 knots, gusting to 14 knots.

The pilot did not file an accident report, nor did he report any mechanical problems with the aircraft.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8032Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: THORP T18
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 126
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles R. Patton
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: SAF, SANTA FE, NM
- Destination: SEZ
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: SEZ, Sedona, runway 3, 5,131 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 400 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 7 knots, gusting 14
- Visibility: 65 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19950814024069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950814024069A), Aug 14, 1995: Amtrth THORPT18, Sedona, AZ, Substantial damage. Ground looped landing in gusty downwind.

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.

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