Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he landed the tailwheel-equipped airplane on the main wheels and upon slowing to about 20 mph, lowered the tailwheel to the runway. The airplane veered to the right, and the pilot attempted to control the direction by applying the left brake. He “overcorrected” to the left, and the airplane ground looped and veered off the left side of the runway. The inspection of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the right wing spar. The pilot stated that he should have added power to maintain directional control as soon as the turn started. He reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA614 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 1, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lancaster, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Lancaster Regional Airport (LNC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna L-19E
- N-number
- N4431F
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.