No fatalities

Pilot Reports Ground Loop During Landing Demonstration

Coolidge, AZ, United States

On April 27, 2012, a GLASS ROY L RV-6 was involved in an aviation accident near Coolidge, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a demonstration of stop-and-go takeoffs and landings, the airplane swerved right, then ground looped left after pilot inputs, resulting in substantial rudder damage.

Incident Overview

The pilot of a small airplane was conducting a demonstration of stop-and-go takeoffs and landings for a passenger. During the second landing roll, the airplane began to swerve to the right. The pilot responded by applying left rudder pedal and pulling the control stick aft. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the left and came to rest in an upright position.

Damage Assessment

The ground loop caused substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, the incident occurred during a routine training demonstration. No other details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or location were provided.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Apr 2012 GLASS ROY L RV-6 accident near Coolidge, AZ?

During a demonstration of stop-and-go takeoffs and landings, the airplane swerved right, then ground looped left after pilot inputs, resulting in substantial rudder damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Apr 2012 GLASS ROY L RV-6 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Apr 2012 involved a GLASS ROY L RV-6, at Coolidge, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing.