Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX06CA022

Beatty, NV, USA

Aircraft #1

N2876J

Cessna T188C

Analysis

The tail wheel equipped airplane ground looped and the right main landing gear collapsed during the landing roll. As the pilot entered the traffic pattern he made note of the airport's windsock, which indicated a variable 10- to 15-knot wind. When the airplane was about halfway down the length of the runway on the landing roll it encountered a gust of wind. The gust contacted the tail, which resulted in the airplane veering to the right of the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to regain control, but the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing contacted terrain. The airplane came to rest off the right side of the runway. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine.

Factual Information

The aircraft ground looped and the right main landing gear collapsed during the landing roll of the tail wheel equipped airplane. After an approximate 1-hour cross-country flight, the pilot entered the vicinity of his destination airport. He made note of the airport's windsock, which indicated a variable 10- to 15-knot wind. After touching down on the runway surface, the airplane began the landing rollout. As the airplane continued about halfway down the length of the runway, a gust of wind was encountered. The gust contacted the tail, which resulted in the airplane veering to the right of the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to regain control, but the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing contacted terrain. The airplane came to rest off the right side of the runway. The pilot thought that the accident could have been prevented if he had taken more consideration for the gusty wind conditions. The closest weather reporting station is located about 40 nautical miles east of the accident site. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine.

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane on the landing roll.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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