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Tailwheel Aircraft Ground Loops During Landing Roll (N4380T)

Prescott, AZ, US

On December 16, 2003, a Piper PA-18 (registration N4380T) operated by Michael Tim Hendrikson was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the tail wheel equipped airplane during landing, which 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

A tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage after ground looping during the landing roll. The pilot's control inputs were insufficient to prevent a 180-degree turn.

Accident Details

A tailwheel-equipped aircraft received substantial damage when it ground looped during the landing roll. The landing was conducted as a full stall three-point touchdown directly over the runway centerline. After touchdown, with the throttle at idle, the airplane rolled approximately 20 to 30 feet before the right wing lifted.

Pilot Actions

As the right wing rose, the right main landing gear lifted from the runway surface. The pilot applied right aileron and right rudder to counter the movement. However, the control inputs were too small to correct the developing veer to the left. The aircraft subsequently ground looped to the left in a counterclockwise 180-degree turn.

Damage

The wing spar sustained structural damage during the ground loop. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported prior to the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Dec 2003 Piper PA-18 accident near Prescott, AZ?

A tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage after ground looping during the landing roll. The pilot's control inputs were insufficient to prevent a 180-degree turn.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Dec 2003 Piper PA-18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Dec 2003 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N4380T, operated by Michael Tim Hendrikson, at Prescott, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the tail wheel equipped airplane during landing, which 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/20040122X00092. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.