Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Ground Loops Conventional Gear Aircraft on First Flight (N8980D)

Tucson, AZ, US

On January 10, 1999, a Piper PA-18A-150 (registration N8980D) operated by Sun West Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadvertent activation of the right heel brake on the conventional geared aircraft, which resulted in a loss of directional control and an inadvertent ground loop. A contributing factor was inadequate supervision. 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 private pilot on his first flight in a conventional geared aircraft experienced a ground loop on landing rollout after applying rudder corrections. Brake system inspection found no malfunctions.

Incident Overview

A private pilot, who had no prior experience in conventional geared aircraft, was receiving his first flight in such an aircraft. The instructor briefed the student before takeoff to avoid using the heel brakes during landing.

Landing Rollout

During the landing rollout, the aircraft's path deviated slightly to the left. In response, the student applied right rudder to correct the divergence. Following this input, the airplane made an abrupt turn to the right. Both the student pilot and the instructor then applied full left rudder in an effort to counteract the right turn. However, they were unable to regain directional control before the airplane completed a ground loop.

Post-Incident Inspection

Following the ground loop, the brake system was inspected. The inspection did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001204X00077. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.