No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops During Landing Roll

Fairbanks, AK, United States

On April 28, 2014, a CESSNA 120 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during landing, resulting 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

During landing on a dry asphalt runway, a tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left. The pilot overcorrected with right rudder, resulting in a ground loop and substantial left wing damage.

Accident Overview

A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a ground loop during the landing roll on a dry asphalt runway. The pilot reported that the airplane began to veer to the left while rolling after touchdown.

Pilot Actions

To correct the left veer, the pilot applied right rudder. However, the input was excessive, leading to an overcorrection. The airplane subsequently ground looped, causing substantial damage to the left wing.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was functioning as expected prior to the event.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Apr 2014 CESSNA 120 NO SERIES accident near Fairbanks, AK?

During landing on a dry asphalt runway, a tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left. The pilot overcorrected with right rudder, resulting in a ground loop and substantial left wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Apr 2014 CESSNA 120 NO SERIES accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Apr 2014 involved a CESSNA 120 NO SERIES, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of directional control during landing, resulting in a ground loop.