Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during approach for runway 22 he observed the winds to be a quartering headwind from the right. After a normal approach the airplane touched down on the main landing gear. As the tail wheel was about to touch down the airplane veered to the right. The pilot used left rudder and brake to compensate for the turn, but the airplane exited the right side of the runway. Through the use of left rudder and brake the pilot was able to stop the right turn, but then the airplane turned to the left and ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar and right elevator.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10TA335 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 5, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Dillon, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Dillon (KDLN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N6110A
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Public aircraft
- Purpose of flight
- Public aircraft
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.