Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground-loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, his foot “popped off” the rudder pedal and the airplane ground loop to the left. The left main landing collapsed, the left wing impacted the runway surface and came to rest on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left aileron. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA076 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 3, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Monica, California
- Nearest airport
- Santa Monica Muni (SMO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Extra Flugzeugbau Gmbh EA 300/L
- N-number
- N52NL
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- 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.