Probable cause
The student/instructed pilot lost directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a runway excursion, and ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor stated that the student pilot lost directional control during the landing roll. The airplane veered off the runway to the right, the flight instructor took the controls and attempted to abort the landing. The flight instructor reported that for an unknown reason the right brake was engaged, and the airplane ground looped to the right. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The flight instructor reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
During a postaccident examination the brake appeared to operate normally.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA184 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 14, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Buhl, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Buhl Muni (U03)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 12
- N-number
- N3795M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- 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.