Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taking off from a soft, rough field, which resulted in a ground-loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during takeoff from a soft field, the airplane veered left then began to bounce as it went over soft and rough ground. He tried to steer the airplane back toward the runway and abort the takeoff, but the airplane continued to bounce sideways, which resulted in a ground-loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left 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 GAA19CA369 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 21, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Imnaha, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Lord Flat (OR9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper L21
- N-number
- N753AT
- 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.