Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ANC09CA057

King Salmon, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N2162Z

CESSNA 180F

Analysis

The pilot reported he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard-surfaced runway, with a 10 knot left crosswind, at the conclusion of a Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight. He said that when the airplane initially touched down, it bounced slightly, and as it touched down again, it began to swerve to the left. He said he was unable to correct the swerve with rudder and brakes, and the airplane ground looped to the left, striking the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer on the runway. The right wing, right aileron, and right horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Factual Information

The pilot reported he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard-surfaced runway, with a 10-knot left crosswind. He said that when the airplane initially touched down, it bounced slightly, and as it touched down again, it began to swerve to the left. He said he was unable to correct the swerve with rudder and brakes, and the airplane ground looped to the left, striking the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer on the runway. The right wing, right aileron, and right horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage to the airplane.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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