Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during taxi.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported while taxiing a tailwheel equipped airplane from the runway, the airplane began to turn left. The pilot applied opposite rudder however, the turn sharpened and he "aggressively" applied the right brake which resulted in a ground loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing when the left main landing gear collapsed. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failure with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA288 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 8, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sand Point, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Sandpoint (SZT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 17
- N-number
- N4842H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1948
- 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.