Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that the pilot receiving instruction conducted a wheel landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, and the airplane began to drift left of the centerline. The pilot receiving instruction applied right rudder control inputs, and the airplane veered to the right. Despite the flight instructor's control inputs to regain control, the airplane continued to the right and subsequently ground looped. The left wing and horizontal stabilizer struck the ground, which resulted in structural damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. . The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA165 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 23, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bellingham, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Bellingham Airport (BLI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150
- N-number
- N7177X
- 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.