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Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loops During Takeoff Roll

Missoula, MT, United States

On December 28, 2019, a Cessna 170 B was involved in an aviation accident near Missoula, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and ground-loop, and the flight instructor’s failure to adequately monitor the pilot. 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 takeoff roll, a tailwheel airplane veered left, despite corrective inputs and an instructor's abort call, resulting in a ground loop and substantial wing damage.

Accident Details

A pilot reported that during the takeoff roll in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the aircraft began to veer to the left. The pilot applied corrective control inputs, and the flight instructor called for an abort of the takeoff. However, the airplane ground looped as it departed the runway.

Damage

The accident caused substantial damage to the right wing and aileron.

Pilot Information

Both pilots were flight instructors. The pilot at the controls was receiving instruction for a tailwheel endorsement. The flight instructor providing instruction stated that the event occurred too rapidly for him to correct the diversion.

Mechanical Status

Neither pilot reported any preaccident mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedInstructor/check pilotStudent/instructed pilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Dec 2019 Cessna 170 B accident near Missoula, MT?

During takeoff roll, a tailwheel airplane veered left, despite corrective inputs and an instructor's abort call, resulting in a ground loop and substantial wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Dec 2019 Cessna 170 B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Dec 2019 involved a Cessna 170 B, at Missoula, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and ground-loop, and the flight instructor’s failure to adequately monitor the pilot.

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