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Tundra Tire-Equipped Airplane Ground Loops on Asphalt Runway (N5589H)

Palmer, AK, US

On April 23, 2003, a Piper PA-20 (registration N5589H) was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop and collapse of the left main landing gear. 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

A commercial pilot landing a tundra tire-equipped airplane on an asphalt runway experienced veering, added power, departed the runway, ground looped, resulting in left landing gear collapse and damage.

Accident Overview

A commercial certificated pilot was landing a tundra tire-equipped airplane on an asphalt surface runway that was 3,616 feet long and 75 feet wide. During the landing roll, the airplane began to veer left and right. The pilot added engine power to control the airplane.

Sequence of Events

The airplane departed off the runway surface to the right and then ground looped to the right. As a result, the left main landing gear collapsed inward and upward, and the left wingtip struck the ground.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage to the left landing gear and fuselage structure, the left wing lift strut, and the left wingtip.

Wind Conditions

The pilot reported the wind was from the south-southwest at 5 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Apr 2003 Piper PA-20 accident near Palmer, AK?

A commercial pilot landing a tundra tire-equipped airplane on an asphalt runway experienced veering, added power, departed the runway, ground looped, resulting in left landing gear collapse and damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Apr 2003 Piper PA-20 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Apr 2003 involved a Piper PA-20, registration N5589H, at Palmer, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop and collapse of the left main landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030424X00558. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.