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Hard Landing and Ground Loop During Touch-and-Go (N91003)

Scottsdale, AZ, US

On August 21, 2000, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N91003) operated by Howard C. Fisk was involved in an aviation accident near Scottsdale, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot to maintain directional control on the landing rollout. Also causal to the accident was his failure to retract flaps during the aborted landing attempt, which lead to a loss of lift and a hard landing followed by 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane experienced a hard landing and ground loop during landing rollout. The pilot aborted and attempted a go-around but did not retract flaps, resulting in a second hard landing.

Incident Summary

During the landing rollout, the airplane landed hard and ground looped. Wind lifted the right wing and landing gear, causing the airplane to veer left. The pilot applied rudder input to level the airplane and regain directional control.

Sequence of Events

The pilot, concerned about an imminent ground loop, aborted the landing by adding full power. However, the flaps were not retracted during the go-around. Once airborne, the pilot maneuvered to avoid a taxi light and attempted to realign with the runway heading. The airplane subsequently lost lift and landed hard.

Post-incident inspection revealed no mechanical malfunctions with the flight control (rudder) or brake systems. The pilot reported no anomalies with these systems.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Aug 2000 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Scottsdale, AZ?

An airplane experienced a hard landing and ground loop during landing rollout. The pilot aborted and attempted a go-around but did not retract flaps, resulting in a second hard landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Aug 2000 Piper PA-18-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Aug 2000 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N91003, operated by Howard C. Fisk, at Scottsdale, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the pilot to maintain directional control on the landing rollout. Also causal to the accident was his failure to retract flaps during the aborted landing attempt, which lead to a loss of lift and a hard landing followed by 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/20001212X21780. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.