No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops During Landing (N355ST)

Peru, IL, US

On June 28, 2005, a Cessna 195 (registration N355ST) was involved in an aviation accident near Peru, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining directional control during the landing and the ground loop he encountered. 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 was substantially damaged after a ground loop during landing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions and stated that the brakes were not applied.

Overview

A tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage during a landing on an uncontrolled airstrip. The pilot, who was uninjured, reported that the accident followed a ground loop that occurred after a three-point landing. The wind was from 210 degrees at 5 to 6 knots, and the landing was made on runway 18.

Pilot Account

The pilot described the approach and landing as routine. After touching down and slowing to approximately 30 mph, the aircraft unexpectedly spun to the left. The airplane exited the left side of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the right landing gear, right seat, and right wing. The pilot explicitly stated that the brakes were not applied at any time during the landing roll.

Damage

The right landing gear, right seat, and right wing were substantially damaged. No other damage or component failures were reported.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft prior to or during the accident. The airplane was operating normally up to the point of the ground loop.

Conclusion

No probable cause was determined by the investigation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jun 2005 Cessna 195 accident near Peru, IL?

A tailwheel airplane was substantially damaged after a ground loop during landing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions and stated that the brakes were not applied.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jun 2005 Cessna 195 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jun 2005 involved a Cessna 195, registration N355ST, at Peru, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot not maintaining directional control during the landing and the ground loop he encountered.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050715X01036. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.