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Tail Wheel Touchdown Precedes Ground Loop and Damage (N2935A)

St. Johns, AZ, US

On July 31, 2003, a Cessna 180 (registration N2935A) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Johns, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind condition that resulted in a loss of directional control and ground loop. The crosswind was a contributing factor. 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 wheel landing on runway 14, a tailwheel airplane ground looped after tail wheel touchdown, veered right, and stopped 180 degrees from heading, damaging left gear and wing tip. Winds were light and variable.

Accident Description

The pilot performed a wheel landing on runway 14. The landing was normal until the tail wheel touched down. At that point, the airplane ground looped, veering to the right. It came to a stop 180 degrees from the runway heading, approximately 3 feet off the runway edge.

Damage

The ground loop resulted in damage to the left landing gear and left wing tip.

Weather Conditions

Throughout much of the morning, the wind direction was variable and less than 4 knots. About 6 minutes prior to the accident, a routine aviation weather report (METAR) at SJN indicated winds from a magnetic heading of 290 degrees at 5 knots.

Pilot Report

The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 2003 Cessna 180 accident near St. Johns, AZ?

During a wheel landing on runway 14, a tailwheel airplane ground looped after tail wheel touchdown, veered right, and stopped 180 degrees from heading, damaging left gear and wing tip. Winds were light and variable.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jul 2003 Cessna 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 2003 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2935A, at St. Johns, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind condition that resulted in a loss of directional control and ground loop. The crosswind was a contributing factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030822X01386. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.