Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Aircraft Ground Loops During Touch-and-Go Practice (N3573P)

Ketchikan, AK, US

On October 11, 2003, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N3573P) was involved in an aviation accident near Ketchikan, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after an aborted landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and a ground loop. A factor contributing to the accident was the loss of directional control on the ground. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot lost directional control during a wheel landing, applied full power, and the airplane stalled, then ground looped off the runway, causing structural damage.

Incident Overview

A private pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During a wheel landing, the pilot reported a loss of directional control. In an attempt to regain control, the pilot applied full power. This resulted in the airplane lifting off steeply and stalling.

Sequence of Events

The airplane subsequently descended off the right side of the runway and ground looped. The ground loop caused structural damage to the landing gear, right wing, and fuselage.

Damage Assessment

The landing gear, right wing, and fuselage sustained structural damage as a result of the ground loop. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Information

The pilot, a private pilot, was the sole occupant. No injuries were reported.

Investigation

The investigation focused on the pilot's account of the event. No probable cause was determined based solely on the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031023X01803. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.