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Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops on Turf Runway After Divot Contact

Trinca, NJ, United States

On June 18, 2011, a CESSNA A185F operated by Pascal Boillat was involved in an aviation accident near Trinca, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action, which resulted in a 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 recently purchased tailwheel airplane ground-looped on a turf runway after the left main landing gear contacted a divot, causing substantial damage. The pilot lacked a tailwheel endorsement and was receiving flight instruction.

Accident Details

The pilot of a recently purchased tailwheel airplane was receiving flight instruction at the time of the accident. He did not possess a tailwheel endorsement. The airplane landed on a turf runway. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane rolled approximately 800 feet. The left main landing gear then contacted a divot in the turf, causing the airplane to yaw left. The pilot attempted to correct the yaw by applying right rudder and brake. The flight instructor also applied rudder, aileron, and elevator control; however, they were unable to regain control and the airplane ground-looped.

Damage

The impact resulted in substantial damage to the right wing, right main landing gear, and right side fuselage.

Additional Information

The pilot stated that the wind was calm and the airplane did not experience any preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotInstructor/check pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jun 2011 CESSNA A185F accident near Trinca, NJ?

A recently purchased tailwheel airplane ground-looped on a turf runway after the left main landing gear contacted a divot, causing substantial damage. The pilot lacked a tailwheel endorsement and was receiving flight instruction.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jun 2011 CESSNA A185F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jun 2011 involved a CESSNA A185F, operated by Pascal Boillat, at Trinca, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action, which resulted in a ground-loop.

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