Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA19CA260

Northway, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N2429E

Cessna A185

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing, the airplane suddenly veered left, ground looped, exited the runway, and nosed over. Examination revealed that the airplane had a blown right tire and that it had sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of photographs of the tire damage provided by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the damage was consistent with sideloading of the right main landing gear during the ground loop to the left.

Factual Information

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing the airplane suddenly veered left, ground looped left, exited the runway and nosed over. Upon further examination the airplane had a blown right tire. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Photos of the tire damage provided by the FAA are consistent with sideloading the right main landing gear during a ground loop to the left. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 4 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent nose-over.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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