Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent application of only one brake during landing roll, resulting in a ground loop and runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the of the vintage tailwheel airplane reported that the touchdown was normal; however, after rolling out about 1,500 feet, his left heel was not fully centered in the rudder shoe and accidentally depressed the left brake. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway and rotated 180 degrees on concrete, before coming to rest. The rotation on concrete resulted in separation of the right main landing gear. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the lower right fuselage, where the right main landing gear attached.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA033 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 29, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Manassas, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Manassas Regional Airport (HEF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Stinson SR 5A
- N-number
- N14163
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1934
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.