Ground loop resulting in substantial damage to aircraft

Casualties unknown • Nebraska City, NE, US

A pilot lost directional control during the landing rollout of an aircraft, leading to a ground loop and structural damage to the left wing and landing gear.

What happened

During a landing sequence, the pilot performed a normal downwind to final approach, reporting a smooth touchdown and initial rollout. However, as the aircraft continued along the runway, the tail wheel began to wobble or chatter, causing the aircraft to drift toward the left side of the runway.

In an attempt to correct the drift and return to the runway centerline, the pilot increased engine power and applied right rudder. This correction resulted in excessive rudder input, which triggered a ground loop. The aircraft completed a 180-degree turn during the event. During the maneuver, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the left wing to strike the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Findings

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft prior to the loss of control. The incident was attributed to over-controlling the aircraft via excessive right rudder input in response to tail wheel chatter.

Probable cause

The pilot's application of excessive right rudder to correct a directional drift caused a ground loop.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-06-18 Piper PA-22-135 accident near Nebraska City, NE?

A pilot lost directional control during the landing rollout of an aircraft, leading to a ground loop and structural damage to the left wing and landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-06-18 involved a Piper PA-22-135, registration N1270C, at Nebraska City, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's application of excessive right rudder to correct a directional drift caused a ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060721X00986. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…