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Student Pilot Rudder Overcorrection Leads to Ground Loop During Landing (N7257D)

Birchwood, AK, US

On April 15, 2006, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N7257D) operated by Roger Clyne was involved in an aviation accident near Birchwood, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's delayed remedial action during the landing roll, which resulted in the loss of directional control by the student, a ground-loop, and collapse of the main landing gear. 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 flight instructor reported that during landing, a student overcorrected with the rudder, causing the airplane to swerve and ultimately ground-loop, collapsing the left main landing gear and damaging the wing and fuselage.

Incident Overview

A certificated flight instructor was providing dual instruction under Title 14, CFR Part 91. During the landing sequence, the student pilot overcorrected with the rudder, causing the airplane to swerve to the right. The student then overcorrected again by applying full left rudder. As the instructor attempted to take control, the student applied full right rudder, and the airplane swerved to the right once more.

Instructor's Account

The instructor stated that the swerve to the right exceeded his ability to correct, because there are no brakes on the rudder pedals on the right side of the airplane. Subsequently, the airplane ground-looped to the right. During the ground loop, the left main landing gear collapsed, resulting in structural damage to the left wing and fuselage.

The instructor noted that there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. In his written report to the NTSB, he wrote: "I should have recognized the student's over controlling sooner, and assumed control of the airplane prior to the ground-loop actually happening."

Damage Assessment

The accident caused the collapse of the left main landing gear and structural damage to the left wing and fuselage. No other damage or injuries were reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Apr 2006 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Birchwood, AK?

A flight instructor reported that during landing, a student overcorrected with the rudder, causing the airplane to swerve and ultimately ground-loop, collapsing the left main landing gear and damaging the wing and fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Apr 2006 Piper PA-22-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Apr 2006 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N7257D, operated by Roger Clyne, at Birchwood, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's delayed remedial action during the landing roll, which resulted in the loss of directional control by the student, a ground-loop, and collapse of the main landing gear. A factor associated with the accident was the student's failure to maintain directional control.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060503X00501. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.