Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation behind a preceding large business jet, which resulted in an encounter with wake turbulence.
NTSB analysis
Prior to takeoff, the pilot was warned by tower controllers to use caution for wake turbulence from a preceding large business jet. During takeoff roll, prior to the tailwheel becoming airborne, the airplane ground-looped to the left and came to rest beside the runway. The pilot stated that the winds were calm and that he did not wait a sufficient amount of time behind the preceding airplane before starting his takeoff. Examination of the airplane revealed a bent right wing spar, bent right horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA544 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 9, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Aspen, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18
- N-number
- N350CC
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.