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Private Pilot Ground-Loops Aircraft During Touch-And-Go, Strikes Ditch (N60VA)

Angel Fire, NM, US

On July 22, 2003, a Cessna A185F (registration N60VA) was involved in an aviation accident near Angel Fire, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the instructor's inadequate supervision which resulted in the pilot's loss of directional control and the subsequent impact with the ditch. Contributing factors include the instructor's inadequate remedial action and the inadvertent ground loop/swerve. 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 a re-familiarization flight, a private pilot conducting a touch-and-go landing on Runway 17 experienced a ground loop after the aircraft departed the runway surface, striking a ditch.

Flight Details

The flight was described by the instructor as a "re-familiarization" flight for the pilot, who also wanted to gain a better understanding of flying in and around the airport. The private pilot was at the controls. The aircraft entered the traffic pattern and set up for a touch-and-go landing on Runway 17.

Accident Sequence

The landing was uneventful, and the pilot slowed the airplane to approximately 10 to 15 knots. When the pilot added power for take-off, the airplane swerved to the left. The left main landing gear departed the left side of the runway. As the pilot applied rudder and aileron control in an attempt to recover, the airplane veered to the right across the runway. When the airplane departed the right side of the runway, the instructor called out "I've got it." The airplane ground-looped to the right and struck a ditch located between the runway and the taxiway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jul 2003 Cessna A185F accident near Angel Fire, NM?

During a re-familiarization flight, a private pilot conducting a touch-and-go landing on Runway 17 experienced a ground loop after the aircraft departed the runway surface, striking a ditch.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Jul 2003 Cessna A185F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jul 2003 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N60VA, at Angel Fire, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the instructor's inadequate supervision which resulted in the pilot's loss of directional control and the subsequent impact with the ditch. Contributing factors include the instructor's inadequate remedial action and the inadvertent ground loop/swerve.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030729X01209. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.