Casualties unknown

Loss of Directional Control During Landing Results in Ground Loop and Gear Collapse (N2873Z)

Three Forks, MT, US

On March 16, 2000, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N2873Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Three Forks, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure to maintain directional control. 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 performed a stall landing and experienced a loss of directional control, leading to a ground loop and collapse of the left main landing gear. No mechanical anomalies were found.

Event Description

The pilot executed a 'stall' landing, touching down on the main gear first. After rolling approximately 50 to 100 feet, the tailwheel was lowered to the runway. Immediately after the tailwheel contacted the surface, the pilot perceived a slight left brake application, and the aircraft began drifting left. Despite applying right rudder, the aircraft initially continued its leftward drift. During the attempt to realign the aircraft with the runway centerline, the airplane groundlooped to the right. The left main landing gear collapsed during the ground loop.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the incident felt as if the left brake was slightly applied. He noted that the bottom line was a failure to maintain directional control.

Post-Accident Inspection

An inspection conducted after the accident revealed no anomalies or malfunctions in the directional control systems or the brake system.

Probable cause

Failure to maintain directional control

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20739. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.