Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing due to his decision to attempt a landing with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a ground loop and impact with the runway surface.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after the airplane entered the right downwind leg of the traffic pattern for runway 19, he received the airport wind information, which indicated wind from 290 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 12 knots; this resulted in a quartering tailwind for the landing. During the landing, the tailwheel-equipped airplane started to veer left and then ground looped, which resulted in the separation of the right main landing gear and impact with the runway surface. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC14LA056 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 28, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Dillingham, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Dillingham Municipal Airport (DLG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22
- N-number
- N8883C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.