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Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops During Takeoff, Sustains Structural Damage (N4017M)

Anchorage, AK, US

On July 23, 2006, a Piper PA-12 (registration N4017M) operated by Albert R. Kito was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and colliding with a runway light and the ground. 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-equipped airplane veered left during takeoff, departed the runway, and ground looped to the right, collapsing the right main landing gear and causing structural damage to the right wing and fuselage.

Accident Details

The private certificated pilot was departing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot reported applying right rudder and right brake, but the airplane continued to turn left. It departed off the runway and ground looped to the right.

Aircraft Damage

As a result of the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck a runway edge light and the ground. The airplane received structural damage to the right wing and fuselage.

Pilot Actions

The pilot stated that he applied right rudder and right brake in an attempt to correct the veer, but was unable to prevent the airplane from departing the runway and ground looping.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jul 2006 Piper PA-12 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left during takeoff, departed the runway, and ground looped to the right, collapsing the right main landing gear and causing structural damage to the right wing and fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 2006 Piper PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jul 2006 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N4017M, operated by Albert R. Kito, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane departing the runway and colliding with a runway light and the ground. Factors contributing to the accident were an inadvertent ground loop, and the collapse of the right main landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060817X01195. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.