Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ANC11CA016

Anchorage, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N81074

CESSNA 140

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane and encountered a gust of wind that lifted the left wing. The airplane ground looped to the left, striking the right wing on the runway. The airplane then exited the left side of the runway, hit a snow berm, and nosed over. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Substantial damage was sustained to the right wing and vertical stabilizer.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard-surfaced runway, when a gust of wind lifted the left wing. The airplane ground looped to the left, striking the right wing on the runway. The airplane then exited the left side of the runway, hit a snow berm, and nosed over. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Substantial damage was sustained to the right wing and vertical stabilizer.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing, resulting in a ground loop.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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