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Nose-over after ground loop on runway 18 (N3715G)

Prairie DU Sac, WI, US

On May 5, 1994, a North American T-6G (registration N3715G) was involved in an aviation accident near Prairie DU Sac, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent nose-over after the main gear entered a freshly plowed field. 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 tailwheel aircraft ground-looped to the right during landing roll on runway 18. The pilot stopped the loop, but the main gear dug into a freshly plowed field, causing the airplane to nose over.

What happened

The pilot reported circling the airport before executing a low pass prior to attempting a landing on runway 18. During the subsequent landing roll, as the tailwheel settled onto the pavement, the aircraft began to ground loop toward the right side. The pilot successfully regained control and stopped the ground loop; however, the airplane continued forward into a freshly plowed field adjacent to the runway. The main gear sank into the soft terrain, resulting in the aircraft nosing over.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the immediate circumstances of the landing roll and the subsequent impact with the terrain. Examination confirmed that the main landing gear penetrated the surface of a freshly plowed field after the ground loop was arrested. No mechanical failures or pre-impact malfunctions were identified as contributing factors to the loss of directional control.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent nose-over after the main gear entered a freshly plowed field.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 May 1994 North American T-6G accident near Prairie DU Sac, WI?

A tailwheel aircraft ground-looped to the right during landing roll on runway 18. The pilot stopped the loop, but the main gear dug into a freshly plowed field, causing the airplane to nose over.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 May 1994 North American T-6G accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 May 1994 involved a North American T-6G, registration N3715G, at Prairie DU Sac, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent nose-over after the main gear entered a freshly plowed field.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01230. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.