Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was distracted by a sick passenger during the landing. The pilot subsequently lost control of the airplane on the landing rollout, and the airplane ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and 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 WPR24LA026 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 13, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fairfield, Utah
- Nearest airport
- West Desert Airpark (UT9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SAVAGE
- N-number
- N866SA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2007
- 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.