Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a landing, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, the airplane touched down on the left main landing gear first. The airplane subsequently ground looped and nosed over coming to rest inverted. The left wing and vertical stabilizer were substantially damaged. 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 WPR21LA125 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 8, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Red Bluff, California
- Nearest airport
- Red Bluff Municipal (RBL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built PITTS 12-EH
- N-number
- N54LM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2001
- 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.