No fatalities

Single-engine aircraft damaged during ground loop at Great Falls-Gore Field (43-5139)

Great Falls, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 23, 1943, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration 43-5139) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Great Falls, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered a ground loop after touchdown, causing it to leave the runway and sustain irreparable damage. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane suffered irreparable damage after ground looping following a landing at Great Falls-Gore Field. The sole occupant, the pilot, escaped without injury.

What happened

The incident occurred immediately after the aircraft completed its touchdown at Great Falls-Gore Field. Upon contacting the runway surface, the single-engine airplane entered an uncontrolled ground loop. This maneuver resulted in significant structural damage to the airframe, rendering it beyond repair. The pilot was the only person on board and successfully evacuated the wreckage without sustaining any injuries.

Findings

The primary event leading to the loss of the aircraft was the ground loop that occurred during the landing roll. This aerodynamic phenomenon caused the plane to deviate from its intended path, resulting in the catastrophic damage described in the report.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a ground loop after touchdown, causing it to leave the runway and sustain irreparable damage.