Casualties unknown

Aircraft Ground Loops During Landing at Half Moon Bay (N76EV)

Half Moon Bay, CA, US

On November 25, 1986, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N76EV) operated by Emory Vlach was involved in an aviation accident near Half Moon Bay, CA. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A VFR pleasure flight from Modesto to Half Moon Bay ended with a ground loop after the left wing rose during landing roll-out. The pilot added power and applied left aileron without success; the right wing contacted the ground. Winds were calm and controls operated normally.

Departure and Flight

The airplane departed Modesto Airport (MOD) in Modesto, California, on a VFR pleasure flight to Half Moon Bay Airport (HAF) in Half Moon Bay, California. The flight to Half Moon Bay was uneventful.

Landing Approach

The pilot negotiated a traffic pattern for Runway 30 at Half Moon Bay Airport.

Landing Incident

During the landing roll-out, the pilot reported that the airplane's left wing began to rise. The pilot immediately added power and applied left aileron, but these actions had no effect. Subsequently, the airplane's right wing contacted the ground and the airplane ground looped to the right.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the surface winds were calm and that the flight controls operated normally throughout the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35202. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.