Probable cause
A loss of control on the ground as a result of left tailwheel steering cable separation.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he performed a wheel landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. As he lowered the tailwheel, the airplane turned right, and he applied left rudder to continue straight. As soon as he applied the rudder pressure, he “felt something pop” and the airplane continued to turn right, resulting in a ground loop. In the accident sequence, the left main landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. Post accident examination of the tailwheel steering system noted that the left tailwheel steering cable separated.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA170 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 29, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lakeland, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Lakeland Linder Intl (LAL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
North American T-6G
- N-number
- N791MH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1951
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.