FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Piper PA22 135 accident at Culpeper, VA, 10 Jul 2020

Culpeper, VA, United States

On July 10, 2020, a Piper PA22 135 operated by Richard S. Simpson was involved in an aviation accident near Culpeper, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control on landing resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent ground loop. Contributing to the outcome were the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial actions. 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

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control on landing resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent ground loop. Contributing to the outcome were the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial actions.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedInstructor/check pilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jul 2020 Piper PA22 135 accident near Culpeper, VA?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control on landing resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent ground loop. Contributing to the outcome were the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial actions.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jul 2020 Piper PA22 135 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jul 2020 involved a Piper PA22 135, operated by Richard S. Simpson, at Culpeper, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control on landing resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent ground loop. Contributing to the outcome were the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial actions.

More accident analyses