A-1 Husky
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 38; Flight Crew Total 565.2; Flight Crew Type 56.9
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Excursion Runway; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Procedure; Weather
I was returning from a personal sightseeing flight; having previously departed. Upon my return about an hour and a half later; I contacted Tower and advised I had the current ATIS weather briefing and requested a full-stop landing. Tower responded that I was to fly a straight-in approach for Runway 8; which was different from the active runway stated in the current ATIS briefing. I asked Tower to confirm Runway 8 and current winds. Tower responded that I was number two to land behind a Learjet on Runway 8 and the winds were now favoring Runway 8 with a left crosswind. I proceeded to land Runway 8 as directed. I flew a normal straight-in approach and flared for a three-point landing; adjusting for the crosswind. After touchdown; the aircraft served to the left of the runway centerline. I attempted to correct the misalignment; but was unable and the aircraft continued to turn counter-clockwise. The aircraft ground-looped to the left; departed the runway a few feet; and stopped after about 270 degrees of rotation with the main wheels (front) positioned on or very close to the edge of the runway. I assessed if there was any damage to the aircraft and; finding none; I applied power; moved back to the runway centerline; and called the Tower to advise that I was OK and that the aircraft was undamaged. The aircraft did not contact any runway lights or anything else during the ground-loop. Tower provided taxi instructions and dispatched an Airport Security Vehicle to inspect the runway to confirm that there was no damage to the runway. Aircraft that were holding at Runway 8 for my landing subsequently used Runway 8 and took off. I spoke with Airport Security on the taxiway and again after engine shutdown at the FBO and confirmed that there was no damage to the aircraft and no injuries.
An Aviat Husky A1C pilot ground looped the aircraft after landing; departed the runway with no damage the aircraft or airport property.