Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after an uneventful approach to the runway, he conducted a tail-low, three-point landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. About 30 ft into the landing roll, the airplane suddenly turned sharply right and ground looped. Subsequently, the landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the tailwheel revealed that, although it was heavily worn, it castered freely. No evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure of the tailwheel was found that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14LA205 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 13, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nampa, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Nampa Municipal Airport (MAN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180A
- N-number
- N5281D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1958
- 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.