No fatalities

Tailwheel-Equipped Airplane Swerves During Wheel Landing, Strikes Wing

Panama City, FL, United States

On June 22, 2019, a Cessna 180 A was involved in an aviation accident near Panama City, FL. 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 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 pilot reported that after a wheel landing on a concrete runway, the airplane swerved right. Corrective inputs led to the left wing and elevator striking the ground, causing substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a concrete runway, a loss of directional control occurred. The pilot performed a wheel landing, and during the landing roll with the tailwheel on the ground, the airplane swerved to the right. The pilot applied left rudder and left brake to correct the deviation.

Sequence of Events

As the pilot applied corrective controls, the airplane's left wing and left elevator struck the ground. Despite the contact, the pilot was able to regain control of the airplane and taxi it to the parking area.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jun 2019 Cessna 180 A accident near Panama City, FL?

A pilot reported that after a wheel landing on a concrete runway, the airplane swerved right. Corrective inputs led to the left wing and elevator striking the ground, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Jun 2019 Cessna 180 A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jun 2019 involved a Cessna 180 A, at Panama City, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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