New Braunfels, TX, USA
N1666R
Cessna A185F
The 51-hour student pilot lost control of the tailwind-equipped airplane while landing on runway 35 with the wind from 050 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 19 knots.
On August 12, 2004, at 1645 central daylight time, a Cessna A185F tail wheel-equipped single-engine airplane, N1666R, was substantially damaged during an attempted landing on runway 35 at the New Braunfels Municipal Airport (KBAZ), near New Braunfels, Texas. The student pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The 47-nuatical mile cross-country flight originated from the Castroville Municipal Airport (T89), near Castroville, Texas, at 1600. The 51-hour student pilot reported in a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he was attempting to land on runway 35 with the winds from 050 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 19 knots. He stated that he lowered the upwind wing to maintain directional control, but as soon as the right main landing gear touched down, the airplane skidded toward the left side of the runway and finally ground looped, coming to rest on its nose on the grass on the left side of the runway. Runway 35 is a 5,364-foot long, by 100-foot wide asphalt runway. The runway was reported to be dry, and in good condition. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed structural damage to the right wing, as well as damage to the right elevator and horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control. A contributing factor was the crosswind.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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