Aircraft ground loop at remote turf airstrip

Casualties unknown • Fairbanks, AK, US

A tundra tire-equipped aircraft experienced a ground loop during landing on a grass runway, resulting in structural damage to the wing and fuselage.

What happened

An airline transport certificated pilot was performing a landing on a remote turf airstrip. The pilot reported landing toward the southeast, noting that the aircraft began to yaw slightly to the left during the landing roll. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied the right brake; however, the aircraft began to slide to the left across the grass-covered runway.

As the aircraft moved, the left tire entered an area of willows located along the left edge of the airstrip. During this maneuver, the right brake suddenly became effective, causing the aircraft to yaw and undergo a ground loop to the right. The impact resulted in the left wing striking the ground, which bent the left wingtip upward by approximately 10 degrees.

The investigation

The inspection of the Cessna (type not specified in source) revealed that the aircraft sustained damage to the left wing spar, the left aileron, and the fuselage. There were no injuries reported following the incident.

Probable cause

The aircraft slid to the left on the grass runway and subsequently entered a ground loop after the right brake became effective.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-06-08 Cessna 180 accident near Fairbanks, AK?

A tundra tire-equipped aircraft experienced a ground loop during landing on a grass runway, resulting in structural damage to the wing and fuselage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-06-08 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2162Z, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft slid to the left on the grass runway and subsequently entered a ground loop after the right brake became effective.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020724X01201. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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