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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Ground Loops and Tips Upside Down During Landing Attempt (N63FE)

Laramie, WY, US

On September 3, 2000, an Aviat A-1 (registration N63FE) was involved in an aviation accident near Laramie, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor was his improper inflight decision in selecting a less-than-favorable runway on which to land that resulted in 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

During a landing attempt on runway 30, the pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to ground loop and tip upside down. Wind conditions were measured at 200 degrees at 14 knots, resulting in a crosswind component within the manufacturer's limits.

Event Description

The pilot was attempting to land on runway 30. During the landing, directional control was lost, and the aircraft 'ground looped and tipped upside down.' No further details regarding injuries or damage were provided.

Wind Conditions

Recorded wind was 200 degrees at 14 knots. According to Aviat Aircraft, Inc., the A-1's maximum demonstrated crosswind component is 15 mph (13 knots). Consulting the Crosswind Component Chart, it was determined that the pilot was confronted with an almost direct left crosswind, specifically a 10-degree left quartering tailwind. Under these circumstances, there was a tailwind component of 2 knots and a crosswind component of 13 knots, which is less than the maximum crosswind component specified by the manufacturer.

Alternative Runway

In addition to runways 12-30, the airport has a second, longer runway: 03-21. Landing on runway 21 would have presented a 10-degree left crosswind and would have provided a 13-knot headwind component and a 2-knot crosswind component.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Sept 2000 Aviat A-1 accident near Laramie, WY?

During a landing attempt on runway 30, the pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to ground loop and tip upside down. Wind conditions were measured at 200 degrees at 14 knots, resulting in a crosswind component within the manufacturer's limits.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Sept 2000 involved an Aviat A-1, registration N63FE, at Laramie, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor was his improper inflight decision in selecting a less-than-favorable runway on which to land that resulted in 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/20001212X21948. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.