Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that while landing, the airspeed was too high and the airplane bounced after making contact with the runway. The airplane came down on the runway 20 degrees right of runway heading and the pilot corrected by applying the left brake. The right main landing gear wheel separated from the gear leg and the airplane veered left into a ground loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA100 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 27, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Richfield, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Richfield Muni (RIF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 305
- N-number
- N16708
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1967
- 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.