Casualties unknown

Aircraft Ground Loops During Landing Roll After Pilot Applies Brakes With Unfamiliar Boots (N77947)

Wendover, UT, US

On June 21, 1982, a Luscombe 8A (registration N77947) operated by Gene L. Peterson was involved in an aviation accident near Wendover, UT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing roll, the pilot applied moderate braking to reduce taxi distance. Wearing unfamiliar high-heeled boots, the pilot used small heel brake pedals, causing a left yaw. Attempts to correct failed, leading to a ground loop that collapsed the right main gear and damaged the propeller and right wing.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during the landing roll, moderate braking was applied to avoid a long taxi distance back to the parking area. The pilot was wearing unfamiliar boots with higher than normal heels. While using the small heel brake pedals, the aircraft began to yaw to the left.

Pilot Actions

The pilot released the brakes and attempted to control the aircraft using rudder and throttle inputs. However, the left yaw continued, and the aircraft subsequently ground looped to the left.

Damage

As a result of the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed. The propeller and the right wing sustained damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jun 1982 Luscombe 8A accident near Wendover, UT?

During landing roll, the pilot applied moderate braking to reduce taxi distance. Wearing unfamiliar high-heeled boots, the pilot used small heel brake pedals, causing a left yaw. Attempts to correct failed, leading to a ground loop that collapsed the right main gear and damaged the propeller and right wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jun 1982 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N77947, operated by Gene L. Peterson, at Wendover, UT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03131. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.