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, during landing, the left wing raised, and the airplane "violently turned left." The pilot attempted to recover, but the airplane ground looped and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, right wing lift strut, and rudder.
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 GAA19CA293 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 6, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Canandaigua, New York
- Nearest airport
- Canandaigua (IUA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 20
- N-number
- N7046K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1950
- 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.