Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after conducting a three-point landing, during the landing roll, the wind changed direction and lifted the left wing, and the airplane ground looped.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and elevator.
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 GAA19CA022 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 14, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cherry Ridge, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Cherry Ridge (N30)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18-135
- N-number
- N6690D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1954
- 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.