Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops During Landing, Sustains Wing and Elevator Damage (N5280H)

Anchorage, AK, US

On July 20, 2001, a Piper PA-16 (registration N5280H) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An inadvertent ground loop during the 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 landing roll, a tailwheel airplane ground looped to the right, fracturing the left main landing gear axle and causing the left wing to strike the runway, resulting in structural damage.

Incident Overview

During the landing roll of a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the aircraft ground looped to the right. The event resulted in the fracture of the left main landing gear axle and subsequent contact of the left wing with the runway surface.

Damage Assessment

The left wing was buckled upward approximately 15 degrees just outboard of the wing lift strut attach point. Additionally, the leading edge at the outboard end of the left elevator was crushed aft and buckled upward.

Details

The pilot was performing a landing when the accident occurred. The ground loop initiated to the right, leading to the structural failures noted. No further information about the pilot, aircraft registration, operator, location, or environmental conditions is available from the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jul 2001 Piper PA-16 accident near Anchorage, AK?

During landing roll, a tailwheel airplane ground looped to the right, fracturing the left main landing gear axle and causing the left wing to strike the runway, resulting in structural damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jul 2001 involved a Piper PA-16, registration N5280H, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An inadvertent ground loop during the landing roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010816X01706. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.