Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops During Training Landing, Gear Collapses (N8275U)

Dillingham, AK, US

On May 15, 2005, a Piper PA-18 (registration N8275U) operated by Kerrick L. Stout was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor pilot's inadequate supervision, and the dual student's failure to maintain directional control. Factors associated with the accident were a crosswind, and an inadvertent 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a tailwheel airplane ground looped after landing, causing the right main landing gear to collapse and the right wing to strike the runway surface. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were reported.

Event Summary

A flight instructor was providing instruction to a student pilot in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The instructor reported that, shortly after touchdown on a dry, paved runway, the student allowed the airplane to veer left of the centerline while correcting for a left crosswind. The instructor then took control in an attempt to realign the aircraft, but the airplane ground looped to the left.

Damage

During the ground loop, the airplane's right main landing gear collapsed. The right wing subsequently struck the runway surface, sustaining structural damage.

Pilot Statements

The instructor stated that no preaccident mechanical anomalies were observed with the airplane. The student pilot's actions were noted as the initial deviation from the centerline, but the instructor's intervention did not prevent the ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050616X00798. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.