Casualties unknown

Airplane Ground Loops on Landing (N9332D)

Gordon, NE, US

On April 19, 2005, a Piper PA-22-160 (registration N9332D) was involved in an aviation accident near Gordon, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain direction control during landing. The pilot lack of familiarity with the airplane was a 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot ground-looped a tailwheel-converted airplane during the second landing. The pilot flew despite instructor disapproval, lacking an endorsement for the make/model.

Accident Overview

The airplane ground-looped during landing. The pilot stated he wanted to fly his recently purchased airplane "because the weather was calm," adding that although his instructor would not approve, he chose to fly anyway.

Flight Details

The pilot departed on runway 04 and entered the traffic pattern for runway 11. During his second landing, the airplane ground looped. Winds were reported from 110 degrees magnetic at 5 knots.

Aircraft Information

The airplane had been converted from a tricycle landing gear configuration to a conventional (tailwheel) landing gear arrangement.

Pilot Information

Federal Aviation Administration records show the pilot was issued a student pilot certificate on February 13, 2003. Student pilot certificates are valid for 24 calendar months. The pilot did not have an instructor endorsement for the accident airplane make and model. The pilot reported having 2.0 hours of flight time in the accident airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050511X00594. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.