No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops After Left Main Tire Failure

Woodruff, WI, United States

On April 7, 2017, a STINSON 108 2 operated by Lakeland Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Woodruff, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot receiving instruction's incorrect brake usage and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a 3-point landing, a tailwheel airplane pulled left, the right brake was locked, the airplane departed the runway to the right, and ground looped. The left main tire inner tube failed, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

The flight instructor of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during a 3-point landing touchdown, the airplane pulled to the left and he heard a "pop." He added that the pilot who was flying and receiving instruction "locked up" the right brake. Subsequently, the airplane departed the runway surface to the right and ground looped.

Pilot's Account

During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector, the pilot receiving flight instruction reported that during the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the left and he applied right brake to correct. He added that upon braking, he heard the left tire blow and the airplane departed the runway to the right. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground.

Damage and Inspection

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The flight instructor reported that the tire "inner tube" on the left main landing gear failed during the landing roll.

Contributing factors

Student/instructed pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedIncorrect use/operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Apr 2017 STINSON 108 2 accident near Woodruff, WI?

During a 3-point landing, a tailwheel airplane pulled left, the right brake was locked, the airplane departed the runway to the right, and ground looped. The left main tire inner tube failed, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Apr 2017 STINSON 108 2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Apr 2017 involved a STINSON 108 2, operated by Lakeland Aviation, at Woodruff, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot receiving instruction's incorrect brake usage and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.