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Ground Loop Leads to Fire and Destruction of Aircraft During Touch-and-Go (N3343D)

Hollister, CA, US

On June 9, 1997, a Cessna 180 (registration N3343D) was involved in an aviation accident near Hollister, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper use of the elevator and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during a touch-and-go landing. 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 touch-and-go landing, the aircraft entered a ground loop after the pilot failed to raise the elevator fully. Adding full power exacerbated the loop, causing a wingtip strike, fuel leak, and fire.

Incident Summary

A touch-and-go landing ended with the aircraft being destroyed by fire after it entered a ground loop. The pilot reported that he did not place the elevator in the fully up position after landing, which he believed reduced the directional response from both the aerodynamic rudder and the steerable tail wheel.

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot, the aircraft began to veer to the left after touchdown. In an attempt to abort the landing and go around, he added full power. This action caused the aircraft to torque into a fully developed ground loop.

Sequence of Events

During the ground loop, the right wingtip made contact with the ground. The impact caused the wing fuel tank to start leaking. The leaking fuel subsequently ignited, and the fire consumed the aircraft.

Aftermath

The aircraft was completely destroyed by the fire. No further details regarding injuries or other damage were reported in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 1997 Cessna 180 accident near Hollister, CA?

During a touch-and-go landing, the aircraft entered a ground loop after the pilot failed to raise the elevator fully. Adding full power exacerbated the loop, causing a wingtip strike, fuel leak, and fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jun 1997 Cessna 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jun 1997 involved a Cessna 180, registration N3343D, at Hollister, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper use of the elevator and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during a touch-and-go landing. A factor in the accident was the pilot's application of full power following the loss of directional control, which increased the turning moment already generated by the initial swerve.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08168. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.