Cessna 150G

Grand Rapids, MN — July 25, 2008

Event Information

DateJuly 25, 2008
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberCHI08CA221
Event ID20080903X01371
LocationGrand Rapids, MN
CountryUSA
Coordinates47.21111, -93.51639
Highest InjuryMINR

Aircraft

MakeCessna
Model150G
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
None1
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident were the crosswind and wind gusts.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that during the landing approach to the runway 34 (5,755 feet by 100 feet, dry asphalt), he was unable to obtain weather information from the airport's automated weather observing system (AWOS) because it was inoperative. The pilot then attempted a landing without checking "current conditions." During the landing, the airplane moved towards the right side of the runway and ground looped, which the pilot attributed to a left gusting crosswind. Post accident examination of the airplane revealed that the flaps were fully extended. The airplane sustained substantial damage, which included crushing of the left wing, bending of the horizontal stabilizer, and wrinkling of the fuselage forward of the empennage and below the aft cabin window. The pilot was uninjured. The pilot stated that he should have flown a low pass over the runway to check "current conditions." One of two windsocks at the airport was located about 1,000 feet down the runway. The airport's AWOS was operating at the time of the accident and recorded wind at 1735 from 290 degrees at 14 knots gusting 21 knots.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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