No fatalities

Pilot Reports Loss of Directional Control During Touch and Go Landing Resulting in Ground Loop

Eloy, AZ, United States

On March 29, 2014, an AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A 1B B operated by FERRIN LONNY D was involved in an aviation accident near Eloy, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. 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 pilot practicing off-airport landings and takeoffs reported losing directional control during a touch-and-go landing, causing a ground loop that damaged the left wing spar and elevator.

Incident Overview

A pilot was conducting off-airport landing and takeoff practice when a ground loop occurred during a touch-and-go landing. The incident resulted in structural damage to the aircraft.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot's report, the flight involved multiple off-airport landings and takeoffs. After the fifth landing, which was planned as a touch-and-go, the pilot increased engine power for takeoff. During this phase, directional control was lost, and the aircraft subsequently ground-looped.

Damage Assessment

Post-incident inspection revealed substantial damage to the left wing spar and left elevator. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or other circumstantial factors were provided in the report.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Mar 2014 AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A 1B B accident near Eloy, AZ?

A pilot practicing off-airport landings and takeoffs reported losing directional control during a touch-and-go landing, causing a ground loop that damaged the left wing spar and elevator.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Mar 2014 AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A 1B B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Mar 2014 involved an AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A 1B B, operated by FERRIN LONNY D, at Eloy, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.