Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Fatigue and Landing Errors in Ground Loop Accident (N7507D)

Challis, ID, US

On October 16, 1997, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N7507D) was involved in an aviation accident near Challis, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue and a lack of attention to the job at hand caused this accident. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported landing too fast, failing to stall the airplane, and overcorrecting, resulting in a ground loop that collapsed the right main landing gear and bent the rear spar. The pilot attributed the accident to fatigue from working seven night shifts and a lack of attention.

Accident Details

The pilot stated that the landing was conducted to the south in light and variable winds under visual meteorological conditions. During the landing roll, the airplane swerved to the right. The pilot overcorrected, causing the airplane to ground-loop to the right. The ground loop collapsed the right main landing gear and struck the right wing, bending the rear spar.

Pilot Statement

In a written statement, the pilot acknowledged that he had landed "a little hot" and had not completely stalled the airplane. He noted that he had relaxed back pressure on the elevator and had not "planted" the tailwheel. The pilot further stated that he had been working the graveyard shift for the past seven nights and was very tired. He indicated that he should have gotten a few hours of sleep before the flight. He concluded by saying, "I feel that fatigue and a lack of attention to the job at hand caused this accident."

Damage

The right main landing gear was collapsed, and the right wing sustained damage that resulted in a bent rear spar. No other damage was reported.

Probable cause

Fatigue and a lack of attention to the job at hand caused this accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09117. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.