Casualties unknown

Tailwheel-Equipped Aircraft Ground Loops During Touch-and-Go Landing Practice (N5582C)

Nenana, AK, US

On July 2, 1997, a Piper PA-18 (registration N5582C) operated by Alaska State Troopers was involved in an aviation accident near Nenana, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop and a collapsed main landing gear. His lack of experience in tailwheel airplanes was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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

During a touch-and-go landing practice on an asphalt runway, a tailwheel-equipped airplane with tundra tires ground looped to the right, causing the left main gear to collapse and the left wing to strike the ground. The pilot reported 172.4 total flight hours, with 18 in tailwheel aircraft, and calm winds.

Accident Details

During a touch-and-go landing practice, a tailwheel-equipped airplane with tundra tires experienced a ground loop to the right while rolling on an asphalt runway. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. Damage was sustained to the left wing, left landing gear, left elevator, and the fuselage forward of the tail wheel.

Pilot Information

The pilot reported a total of 172.4 hours of pilot experience, including approximately 18 hours in tailwheel airplanes. The pilot also noted that wind conditions were calm at the time of the accident.

Aircraft Information

The airplane was equipped with tundra tires and a tailwheel configuration. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or engine count were provided in the source.

Sequence of Events

After landing for the purpose of practicing touch-and-go landings, the airplane began to veer to the right during the landing roll, resulting in a ground loop. The left main gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground, causing structural damage to multiple components.

Damage Assessment

The accident resulted in damage to the left wing, left main landing gear, left elevator, and the fuselage section forward of the tail wheel. No information was provided regarding injuries or fatalities.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08287. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.