Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, while adjusting the flap handle, he briefly stepped on the right rudder and the airplane veered to the right. While attempting to correct with left rudder input, the airplane continued to veer to the right, exited the runway, ground looped to the right and collapsed the left main landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. 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 WPR21LA160 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 15, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cottonwood, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Cottonwood (P52)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-160
- N-number
- N3551Z
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.