Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate landing flare that resulted in a hard landing and a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot/owner of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing the left main gear collapsed resulting in a ground loop. He stated to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that after landing the airplane seemed to oscillate then it pulled to the right, resulting in a ground loop into the grass on the right side of the runway. He also stated that he was not used to carrying a passenger in the rear seat. A postaccident inspection by an FAA inspector noted damage to the engine and strut mount assembly that was consistent with a hard landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA086 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 1, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Torrance, California
- Nearest airport
- Zamperini Field Airport (TOA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV4
- N-number
- N322RV
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.