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Ground Loop During Landing Roll (N7409K)

Petaluma, CA, US

On October 25, 2003, a Piper PA-20 (registration N7409K) was involved in an aviation accident near Petaluma, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control that resulted in a ground loop. 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

An airplane ground looped to the right during landing roll after touching down with full flaps and idle engine. The left wing tip and propeller struck the ground, and the left main landing gear collapsed. Wind was light quartering headwind.

Incident Description

During the landing roll, the airplane experienced a ground loop to the right. The pilot had configured the airplane for landing with full flaps and the engine at idle. As the airplane rolled along the runway, it swerved right and came to rest approximately 70 degrees from the runway heading.

Damage

The ground loop brought the left wing tip and propeller into contact with the ground. The left main landing gear collapsed as a result of the event.

Environmental Conditions

A light quartering headwind was present at the time. The wind was reported from 170 degrees at 4 knots, gusting to 8 knots.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that the airplane had no mechanical discrepancies prior to the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Oct 2003 Piper PA-20 accident near Petaluma, CA?

An airplane ground looped to the right during landing roll after touching down with full flaps and idle engine. The left wing tip and propeller struck the ground, and the left main landing gear collapsed. Wind was light quartering headwind.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Oct 2003 Piper PA-20 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Oct 2003 involved a Piper PA-20, registration N7409K, at Petaluma, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control that resulted in a ground loop.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031231X02111. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.