No fatalities

Tail-Wheel Airplane Ground-Loops During Runway Exit Attempt

Midland, TX, United States

On October 2, 2010, a CESSNA 195 operated by Eastland Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Midland, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane's speed was too fast during the turn, causing it to ground-loop. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A tail-wheel equipped airplane ground-looped after landing when the pilot attempted to exit the runway at excessive speed, causing substantial damage to the left wing, gear, and elevator.

Accident Details

After landing, a tail-wheel equipped airplane carrying a certificated flight instructor (CFI) and a private pilot receiving instruction was requested by the airport control tower to exit the runway. The private pilot reported "unable" because the airplane had already passed the intersection taxiway. The tower then requested that the pilots exit the active runway "as soon as possible." The CFI stated that the private pilot attempted to comply, but the airplane's speed was too fast during the turn, causing the airplane to ground-loop.

Damage

During the ground-loop, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear, left wing tip, and left elevator. No other damage was reported.

Aircraft Information

The CFI reported no malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident. The airplane was equipped with a tail-wheel landing gear configuration.

Probable cause

The airplane's speed was too fast during the turn, causing it to ground-loop.

Contributing factors

Pilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Oct 2010 CESSNA 195 accident near Midland, TX?

A tail-wheel equipped airplane ground-looped after landing when the pilot attempted to exit the runway at excessive speed, causing substantial damage to the left wing, gear, and elevator.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Oct 2010 CESSNA 195 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Oct 2010 involved a CESSNA 195, operated by Eastland Aviation, at Midland, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The airplane's speed was too fast during the turn, causing it to ground-loop.