when landing on muddy ground, wet pavement, or frozen surfaces, especially if there are puddles or patches. They may also occur when an aircraft departs a paved surface: for example, after an engine failure in multi-engine airplanes produces asymmetric thrust. Another common cause is failure of a tire or wheel brake, causing a loss of directional control.

A controlled ground loop may also be used as a rudimentary form of emergency braking while landing, "in case one is still rolling too fast to stop." According to Robinet, "The pilot