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Aircraft Ground Loops During Taxi After Precautionary Landing (N3330D)

Anchorage, AK, US

On October 10, 1990, a Cessna 180 (registration N3330D) operated by Bristol Bay Lodge was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE EXCESSIVE TAXI SPEED AND INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE ON THE BRAKES BY THE PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A pilot made a precautionary landing to secure a cabin door. During a high-speed turn off the runway, the airplane ground looped. The right pilot's left brake pedal was spongy; air was later bled from the left brake cylinder.

Incident Overview

A pilot performed a precautionary landing in order to secure the cabin door. After touching down, the airplane executed a high-speed right turn from the runway onto the taxiway. During this maneuver, the aircraft ground looped.

Brake System Condition

Following the incident, it was noted that the right pilot's left brake pedal exhibited a spongy feel, while the other brake pedals functioned normally. Subsequent inspection revealed that air was bled from the left brake cylinder.

Recent Maintenance History

The day before the incident, the floats had been removed from the airplane and the wheels were reinstalled. This landing marked the first time the pilot utilized the right set of brakes since the wheel reinstallation.

Maintenance error

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Oct 1990 Cessna 180 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A pilot made a precautionary landing to secure a cabin door. During a high-speed turn off the runway, the airplane ground looped. The right pilot's left brake pedal was spongy; air was later bled from the left brake cylinder.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Oct 1990 Cessna 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Oct 1990 involved a Cessna 180, registration N3330D, operated by Bristol Bay Lodge, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE EXCESSIVE TAXI SPEED AND INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE ON THE BRAKES BY THE PILOT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24395. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.