# NTSB SEA98LA036: Piper PA-17, N4835H, Bozeman, MT, February 15, 1998

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 15, 1998, 14:17 local (21:17 UTC)
- Place: Bozeman, MT
- Coordinates: 45.650672, -111.170265 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.6507&lon=-111.1703&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 8, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42756
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA98LA036
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42756/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA036

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

## 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 tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage when the pilot lost directional control during takeoff and ground looped.  Winds were calm at the time.  The pilot stated that he 'got behind [it] and ground-looped.'

## Factual narrative

On February 15, 1998, at 1417 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-17, N4835H, sustained substantial damage during a ground loop after landing at Bozeman, Montana.  The private pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the local flight.  No flight plan was filed, and there was no report of an ELT actuating.

FAA inspectors reported finding no evidence of preexisting mechanical discrepancies that could have led to the accident.  The pilot stated that he "got behind and ground-looped."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4835H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4835H), registered now, S/N 17-133, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-17
- Registry model: [Piper PA-17](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-17) (registry code 7101702) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17-133
- Airframe hours: 1206
- Engines: Continental A65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Norman Mchenry
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 2, 1997, 166 hours before
- Departed: BZM
- Airport: BZN, Bozeman, runway 12, 9,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 569 total, 536 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19980215007339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980215007339A), Feb 15, 1998: Piper PA17, Bozeman, MT, Substantial damage. Lost control and ground looped on takeoff roll. (.4)the tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage when the pilot lost directional control during takeoff…

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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