Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the tail wheel airplane during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience in tail wheel airplanes.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the landing approach and touchdown were normal until the airplane "veered hard to the left on roll-out." He stated that he applied full right rudder, but the airplane did not respond. He then applied "nominal" right brake pressure at which time the airplane ground looped to the right. The pilot reported that he had just re-qualified to fly a tail dragger. He reported having 3 hours of total time in the same make and model as the accident airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA167 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 17, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wadena, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-150
- N-number
- N697DM
- 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.