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Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops During Landing on Asphalt Runway (N5840Z)

Northway, AK, US

On September 16, 1997, a Piper PA-22 (registration N5840Z) operated by Emory M. Strong was involved in an aviation accident near Northway, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane. 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

A pilot with limited experience in the make and model experienced a ground loop while landing a tailwheel airplane on an asphalt runway, resulting in damage to multiple left-side components.

Accident Overview

A pilot was landing a tailwheel, tundra tire equipped airplane on an asphalt runway. The pilot intended to perform a wheel landing. During the landing roll, the airplane ground looped and departed the right side of the runway.

Damage Sustained

The airplane received damage to the left wing spars, left aileron, left horizontal stabilizer, and left elevator.

Pilot Experience

The pilot indicated he had accrued a total of 3 hours in the accident airplane make and model.

Additional Details

No further information was provided regarding the date, location, aircraft registration, or other circumstances of the accident. The investigation did not assign a probable cause.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Sept 1997 Piper PA-22 accident near Northway, AK?

A pilot with limited experience in the make and model experienced a ground loop while landing a tailwheel airplane on an asphalt runway, resulting in damage to multiple left-side components.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Sept 1997 Piper PA-22 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Sept 1997 involved a Piper PA-22, registration N5840Z, operated by Emory M. Strong, at Northway, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08773. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.