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Ground Loop During Stop-and-Go Landing Practice in Unfamiliar Tailwheel Airplane

Belen, NM, United States

On August 3, 2016, a CESSNA 120 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Belen, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and 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 tailwheel-endorsed pilot practicing stop-and-go landings in a new-to-him tailwheel airplane experienced a ground loop during the landing roll, resulting in left main landing gear collapse and substantial left wing damage. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Incident Overview

A pilot with a tailwheel endorsement was conducting stop-and-go landing practice in a tailwheel-equipped airplane that he had never flown before. During the fourth stop-and-go landing, while the airplane was on the landing roll at 35 miles per hour, it began to turn to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation, but the turn continued, causing the airplane to depart the runway and subsequently enter a ground loop.

Damage

During the ground loop, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing sustained substantial damage after impacting the terrain.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunctions or failures were present that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Aug 2016 CESSNA 120 NO SERIES accident near Belen, NM?

A tailwheel-endorsed pilot practicing stop-and-go landings in a new-to-him tailwheel airplane experienced a ground loop during the landing roll, resulting in left main landing gear collapse and substantial left wing damage. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Aug 2016 CESSNA 120 NO SERIES accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Aug 2016 involved a CESSNA 120 NO SERIES, at Belen, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and a ground loop.

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