Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the right and he corrected with rudder but then the airplane "started to pull" to the left. He added that his "rudder input failed to stop the plane from continuing to the left," the airplane ground looped to the left, and the right wingtip hit the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA413 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 15, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Van Nuys, California
- Nearest airport
- Van Nuys (VNY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7ECA
- N-number
- N2537F
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.