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NTSB Report

June 3, 2025 · Piper PA-18-150 · N3994Z

Willow, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 3, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Willow, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150 (1963)
Tail Number
N3994Z
Operator
Blue River Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC25LA071

The flight instructor, seated in the rear seat, stated that he and the pilot receiving instruction, seated in the front seat, were practicing landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The purpose of the flight was for the pilot that was receiving instruction to obtain a tailwheel endorsement. During the landing rollout, gusting wind conditions lifted the left wing and the pilot receiving instruction applied right rudder, but the airplane continued to the right. The flight instructor then applied more right rudder; however, the airplane ground looped and sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The instructor pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 13 with wind from 080° at 9 knots, gusting to 16 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action/lack of supervision. Contributing to the accident was the pilot receiving instructions failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor, seated in the rear seat, stated that he and the pilot receiving instruction, seated in the front seat, were practicing landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The purpose of the flight was for the pilot that was receiving instruction to obtain a tailwheel endorsement. During the landing rollout, gusting wind conditions lifted the left wing and the pilot receiving instruction applied right rudder, but the airplane continued to the right. The flight instructor then applied more right rudder; however, the airplane ground looped and sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The instructor pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 13 with wind from 080° at 9 knots, gusting to 16 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportWILLOW (0nm NNW)
Runway13
Runway Length4400 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN3994Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBlue River Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 42 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 9 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 F / 34 F
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time08:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data