Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that everything was normal after touchdown until the tailwheel contacted the ground and began to shimmy. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane subsequently veered toward the side and off the runway surface onto the grass. The airplane ground looped, and the right wing contacted the surface. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not identify any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA472 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 3, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Craigmont, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Craigmont (S89)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna T188C
- N-number
- N9980J
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.