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Casualties unknown

Ground loop during landing due to excessive rudder and asymmetric braking (N8047Z)

Bozeman, MT, US

On June 25, 1993, a Cessna 180 (registration N8047Z) operated by Tate, Victor B. was involved in an aviation accident near Bozeman, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper use of flight controls during landing, specifically excessive rudder input and asymmetric braking, which resulted in a ground loop. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after bouncing on final approach, the aircraft veered left. The pilot applied excessive rudder and jammed the right brake instead of both, causing a ground loop and left wing contact.

What happened

The pilot reported that while on final approach for landing, the airplane was high. When the airplane touched down, it bounced. After the airplane touched down again, it veered to the left and according to the pilot, he 'gave too much rudder.' The airplane started to ground loop and the pilot 'jammed down on the right brake, instead of both brakes.' The left wing contacted the surface as the airplane ground looped.

Findings

The investigation revealed that the ground loop was initiated by excessive rudder input during the landing roll. The situation was exacerbated when the pilot applied asymmetric braking, specifically jamming the right brake rather than using both brakes simultaneously. This combination of control inputs led to the loss of directional control and subsequent contact with the surface.

Probable cause

The pilot's improper use of flight controls during landing, specifically excessive rudder input and asymmetric braking, which resulted in a ground loop.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jun 1993 Cessna 180 accident near Bozeman, MT?

A pilot reported that after bouncing on final approach, the aircraft veered left. The pilot applied excessive rudder and jammed the right brake instead of both, causing a ground loop and left wing contact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jun 1993 involved a Cessna 180, registration N8047Z, operated by Tate, Victor B., at Bozeman, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper use of flight controls during landing, specifically excessive rudder input and asymmetric braking, which resulted in a ground loop.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12732. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.