Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Aircraft Ground Loops on Landing, Right Wing and Gear Damaged (N1389A)

King Salmon, AK, US

On April 22, 1999, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1389A) was involved in an aviation accident near King Salmon, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor associated with the accident was an inadvertent 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

A tailwheel airplane equipped with tundra tires ground looped during landing roll on a dry paved runway, causing the right main landing gear to collapse and substantial damage to the right wing and struts.

Accident Overview

A private pilot flying a tailwheel airplane equipped with tundra tires experienced a ground loop while landing on a dry paved runway. The pilot reported that the initial touchdown and landing roll were uneventful until the aircraft's nose veered slightly to the left. In response, the pilot applied right rudder input, but the airplane suddenly ground looped to the left.

Sequence of Events

During the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the runway surface. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the right wing struts. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Aircraft Information

The accident aircraft was a tailwheel-configured airplane with tundra tires. No further details regarding the make, model, or registration were provided in the source.

Pilot Actions

The pilot, a certificated private pilot, attempted to correct the leftward veer by applying right rudder. Despite this input, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled ground loop, leading to structural damage.

Conclusions

The investigation did not identify any preexisting mechanical issues. The source does not provide a probable cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00412. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.