Aviation Accident Summary LAX06CA042

Show Low, AZ, USA

Aircraft #1

N4562F

Cessna A185E

Analysis

The airplane ground looped while on the landing roll. As the pilot entered the vicinity of the destination airport, he estimated that the wind was blowing from 350 to 050 degrees with a velocity of about 10 knots. He entered the downwind leg of the traffic pattern while maintaining visual contact with the windsock located at the airport. After touching down on the runway surface, the airplane encountered a crosswind from the left. The airplane ground looped and the right main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently the right wing contacted terrain, damaging the spar. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. The winds reported by the airport's Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) about 25 minutes prior to the accident were 360 degree at 9 knots. The winds reported about 35 minutes after the accident were 340 degrees at 10 knots.

Factual Information

The airplane ground looped while on the landing roll. The pilot stated that as he entered the vicinity of the destination airport, he estimated that the wind was blowing from 350 to 050 degrees with a velocity of about 10 knots. He entered the downwind leg of the traffic pattern while maintaining visual contact with the windsock located at the airport. After touching down on the runway surface, the airplane encountered a crosswind from the left. The airplane ground looped and the right main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently the right wing contacted terrain, damaging the spar. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. The winds reported by the airport's Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) about 25 minutes prior to the accident were 360 degree at 9 knots. The winds reported about 35 minutes after the accident were 340 degrees at 10 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions and failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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