Probable cause
The loss of control during the landing rollout for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in a ground loop and runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing the experimental, amateur-built, tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dry runway. During the rollout, the airplane veered to the left when the tailwheel was lowered to the runway. Both wingtips contacted the runway surface; the airplane ground looped and exited the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the forward section of the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right steering cable chain was broken and hanging from the tailwheel. It could not be determined if the cable broke before or during the accident sequence.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA307 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Escanaba, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Delta County Airport (ESC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Bade-E
- N-number
- N142NV
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2014
- 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.