Probable cause
The pilot's failure to attain/maintain directional control during landing that resulted in a ground-loop and collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane, he performed two go-arounds after each approach for landing due to the wind upsetting his landing or the landing was not going to be smooth. During the third landing attempt, the approach felt more stable and within several seconds of landing touchdown, an aggressive ground loop to the left developed. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA333 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 7, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marion, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Veterans Airport (MWA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built CARBON CUB EX
- N-number
- N3737R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2016
- 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.