Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that his traffic pattern approach and touchdown on the runway were normal. The pilot stated that he lost directional control during landing rollout in his conventional gear airplane as he was transitioning from rudder effectiveness to tailwheel steering. Thereafter, the airplane ground looped and nosed over bending the rudder and firewall. The pilot also reported that no mechanical problems were experienced with his airplane during the mishap.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA247 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 4, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bellingham, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Bellingham International (BLI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built NIEUPORT 11
- N-number
- N118PS
- 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.