Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing after touching down with the left brake engaged. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that, during a training flight, upon landing, the tailwheel-equipped airplane bounced slightly. Subsequently, when the airplane touched back down, it veered to the left. He added that the student did not react immediately, so he added power and right rudder to correct. The airplane exited the left side of the runway, the instructor added full right brake to avoid a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) light, and the airplane ground looped to the right.
The flight instructor added that the student had apparently touched down after the first bounce with the left brake engaged.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron.
The flight instructor 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 GAA18CA192 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 31, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Prescott, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Ernest A Love Field (PRC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cub Crafters CC18-180
- N-number
- N540DM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.