Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during a three-point landing, the tailwheel-equipped airplane "yawed slightly to the left of the path of travel," and when the right wheel touched down, the left wing and left main landing gear raised. He added that he applied left aileron and right rudder to correct; however, the airplane ground looped to the left and exited the left side of the runway. The right landing gear sank into the sod, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane tipped on its nose then came to rest on its landing gear.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron.
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 GAA18CA238 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 28, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Spokane, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Felts Field (SFF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108
- N-number
- N35VM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- 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.