Casualties unknown

Aircraft Groundloops After Main Gear Enters Ditch During Gravel Road Takeoff (N743L)

Casper, WY, US

On November 27, 1988, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N743L) was involved in an aviation accident near Casper, WY. 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

During a takeoff attempt on a gravel road, the right main gear entered a ditch, causing the aircraft to groundloop and sustain damage to the right wing, fuselage, and elevator.

Incident Overview

A pilot attempted a takeoff to the west on a county gravel road. According to the pilot, he had routinely used the gravel road for approximately 10 years due to its convenience to his hangar and tool shed. The pilot reported that the wind was from 210 degrees at 15 knots.

Sequence of Events

During the ground run, the right main gear entered a ditch. This caused the aircraft to groundloop to the right. As a result, the right main gear folded, and the right wing, fuselage, and elevator were bent.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained damage to the right main gear, which folded, and structural damage to the right wing, fuselage, and elevator. No other damage was reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27241. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.