Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a ground-loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a wind gust from the right, which caused the airplane to weathervane to the right. He said that due to the airplane's slow speed, left rudder was ineffective, and by the time he applied left brake the airplane had ground-looped. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot 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 WPR13CA372 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 14, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Aurora, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Aurora State (UAO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-20
- N-number
- N6939K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1950
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.