No fatalities

Glider Club Tow Plane Ground Loop During Landing Roll (N6775B)

Ephrata, WA, US

On June 25, 2000, a Piper PA-18A-150 (registration N6775B) was involved in an aviation accident near Ephrata, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing roll from a steep approach, a tow plane's left wing lifted, veered right, and despite corrective inputs, the left gear broke and left wing contacted the ground. No mechanical failure was reported.

Accident Details

The pilot-in-command, a commercial pilot, was undergoing a check-out on a glider club tow plane with a 'check out pilot' who held a Canadian glider pilot license and Canadian private pilot certificate for single-engine land airplanes, though their U.S. private pilot certificate only included a glider rating.

Sequence of Events

According to both pilots, approximately 100 feet into the landing roll from a steep approach—which the 'check out' pilot described as typical for tow planes due to tow rope considerations—the airplane's left wing lifted and the plane began to veer to the right. The pilot-in-command reported applying up to full left rudder in an unsuccessful attempt to correct the motion. Both pilots stated that the 'check out' pilot applied power, but the airplane continued turning until it reached about 90 degrees to the right of the runway heading. Subsequently, the left landing gear broke, and the left wing contacted the ground.

Mechanical Status

The operator's NTSB accident report indicated no mechanical malfunction or failure was involved.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jun 2000 Piper PA-18A-150 accident near Ephrata, WA?

During a landing roll from a steep approach, a tow plane's left wing lifted, veered right, and despite corrective inputs, the left gear broke and left wing contacted the ground. No mechanical failure was reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jun 2000 Piper PA-18A-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jun 2000 involved a Piper PA-18A-150, registration N6775B, at Ephrata, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21343. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.