Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff, the airplane yawed left, exited the runway, and ground looped. During the ground loop, the airplane’s right wing impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage.
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel head bracket was broken in two places. Metallurgical examination of the fractured tailwheel head bracket revealed that the bracket flanges had separated due to overstress, likely because of the pilot’s loss of airplane control during takeoff and subsequent ground loop.
The wind at the airport about the time of the accident was reported to be calm.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA229 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 17, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Big Bear City, California
- Nearest airport
- Big Bear City Airport (L35)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 305C (0-1E)
- N-number
- N62TX
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1963
- 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.