Probable cause
The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight instructor in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot receiving instruction was on the flight controls during the landing roll. Near the end of the roll, the tail began to swerve, and the airplane ground looped to the right. The airplane exited the right side of the runway, and the left wing struck the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar and aileron.
The pilots reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA209 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 9, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- South Lake Tahoe, California
- Nearest airport
- Lake Tahoe (TVL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna Ector 305A
- N-number
- N1832
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1964
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.