Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Ground Loops After First Solo Landing (N2894P)

Montague, CA, US

On September 17, 1990, a Piper PA-18A-150 (registration N2894P) operated by Montague Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Montague, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING LANDING ROLLOUT. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE PERFORMING LANDINGS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot completed his first solo flight but ground looped after landing, veering off the runway into a dirt field. The instructor observed a perfect landing before the incident.

Incident Overview

A student pilot took off and successfully flew around the airport, completing his first solo flight. The flight instructor observed the student and later reported that the student landed the airplane on the runway in a perfect three-point attitude with full flaps. After touchdown, the airplane veered left, exited the runway, entered a dirt field, and ground looped.

Aircraft and Mechanical Status

No mechanical problems were reported with the airplane prior to or during the flight. The specific type, registration, and engine count of the aircraft were not disclosed in the investigation source.

Pilot Information

The pilot was a student flying his first solo flight. The instructor noted the landing appeared perfect before the veer and ground loop occurred. No further details about the pilot's experience or training were provided.

Accident Sequence

After flaring for landing with full flaps, the airplane touched down in a three-point attitude. Subsequently, the airplane veered left, departed the runway surface, and entered an adjacent dirt field. The ground loop ensued, although the extent of damage, if any, was not specified.

Investigation Findings

The investigation source did not assign a probable cause to the accident. No mention was made of weather conditions, time of day, or air traffic control involvement.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24307. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.