Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during an instructional flight practicing landings to a full stop, the airplane veered left, directional control was lost and the left wing and left elevator were substantially damaged when they contacted the runway surface during a ground loop. 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 WPR22LA170 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 2, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mesa, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA22/135
- N-number
- N3390A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1954
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.