2001-06-16: Piper PA-18 — Homer, AK

Casualties unknown • Homer, AK, US

Probable cause

The student pilot's inadvertent ground loop. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of total experience.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot, holder of a student pilot certificate, was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane at the conclusion of a local area flight. He said he landed hard, the airplane bounced, and then ground looped to the left. The right main landing gear wheel rim was broken, and the right wingtip scraped the ground. The pilot said his total accrued flight time was about 55 hours, and he was uncertain if the airplane sustained any damage to the wing structure. One month later, an airplane mechanic notified the NTSB IIC, and reported that the right wing received damage to the wing spar.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-06-16 Piper PA-18 accident near Homer, AK?

The pilot, holder of a student pilot certificate, was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane at the conclusion of a local area flight. He said he landed hard, the airplane bounced, and then ground looped to the left. The right main landing gear wheel rim was broken, and the right wingtip scraped the ground. The pilot…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-06-16 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N6966D, at Homer, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's inadvertent ground loop. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of total experience.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010816X01714. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…