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Casualties unknown

Ground Loop During Landing Roll Results in Wing Contact (N335PA)

Billings, MT, US

On October 20, 1998, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N335PA) was involved in an aviation accident near Billings, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of directional control during the landing roll resulting in a ground loop. 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

The pilot experienced a fishtailing condition during the landing roll that worsened despite rudder corrections. Braking was applied, leading to a left ground loop and right wing contact with the surface.

What happened

During the landing roll, the aircraft began to fishtail laterally. The pilot attempted to counteract this instability using rudder inputs, but the oscillation intensified rather than subsiding. In response to the worsening condition, the pilot applied the brakes. This action resulted in a ground loop to the left, causing the right wing to strike the runway surface before the aircraft finally came to rest off the side of the pavement.

The investigation

The factual narrative indicates that the primary issue occurred during the landing roll phase. The pilot's efforts to maintain directional control via rudder were insufficient to stop the fishtailing, necessitating brake application which ultimately led to the loss of directional stability and subsequent ground loop.

Probable cause

Loss of directional control during the landing roll resulting in a ground loop.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11350. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.