Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control upon landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he was returning to land when, upon touchdown, a gust of wind lifted his left wing. Despite his control inputs the airplane ground-looped. At the time of the accident, the wind at the accident airport was reported to be from 240 degrees at 7 knots. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe and engine that would have precluded normal flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA235 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 25, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yakima, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Yakima/Mccallister Field (KYKM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-160
- N-number
- N8712D
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.