No fatalities

Tailwheel Aircraft Veers Off Runway During Landing, Right Wing Damaged (N49733)

FT Collins, CO, US

On January 12, 1990, a Boeing A75N1 (registration N49733) operated by Dennis Bruce Whitsell was involved in an aviation accident near FT Collins, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT GROUND SWERVE. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT. 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 a landing at Downtown Fort Collins Airpark, a tailwheel-equipped aircraft veered left, exited the runway, and damaged its right wing after ground contact.

Overview

A tailwheel-equipped aircraft sustained damage to its right wing after veering off the runway during a landing at Downtown Fort Collins Airpark. The incident occurred while the aircraft was being flown by its new owner, with the previous owner present as a safety pilot.

Flight History

The pilots began the flight by departing from Downtown Fort Collins Airpark with the intention of practicing landings. They conducted several landing practice maneuvers. Subsequently, they landed at Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport to refuel the aircraft.

Accident Scenario

Following refueling, the pilots departed Fort Collins-Loveland to return to Downtown Fort Collins Airpark for what was planned as the final landing of the practice session. The weather conditions at the time of landing were described as calm wind.

Sequence of Events

During the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped aircraft unexpectedly veered to the left. The aircraft departed the runway surface. As it turned left, the right wingtip contacted the ground.

Damage Assessment

The contact between the right wing and the ground resulted in damage to the wing structure. No further details on the extent of the damage or any other damage to the aircraft were provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Jan 1990 Boeing A75N1 accident near FT Collins, CO?

During a landing at Downtown Fort Collins Airpark, a tailwheel-equipped aircraft veered left, exited the runway, and damaged its right wing after ground contact.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Jan 1990 Boeing A75N1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Jan 1990 involved a Boeing A75N1, registration N49733, operated by Dennis Bruce Whitsell, at FT Collins, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT GROUND SWERVE. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22407. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.