Casualties unknown

Ground Loop During Landing Roll Damages Tail-Wheel Airplane (N2474Z)

Chandler, AZ, US

On March 21, 2003, a Piper PA-18-135 (registration N2474Z) operated by Chandler Air Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper flare and his failure to maintain directional control. A contributing factor is the student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A tail-wheel airplane sustained substantial damage when the student pilot ground looped it during the landing roll after a bounced landing and off-center touchdown.

Accident Details

A tail-wheel equipped airplane was substantially damaged when it ground looped during the landing roll. The student pilot flared high and touched down hard on the main wheels, causing the airplane to bounce back into the air. The pilot attempted to recover by lowering the nose and executing a three-point landing. On the second touchdown, the airplane was oriented with the nose pointing to the left of the runway centerline. Unable to correct the heading, the pilot continued left and departed the runway into a dirt area. The airplane then ground looped, with the right wing tip and right elevator making contact with the ground. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030402X00420. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.