CESSNA A185
Clovis, NM — May 31, 2017
Event Information
| Date | May 31, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA313 |
| Event ID | 20170601X43457 |
| Location | Clovis, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.42694, -103.07944 |
| Airport | CLOVIS MUNI |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | A185 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that while landing in gusting crosswind conditions, as the tailwheel contacted the runway, the airplane "violently yawed" to the left. He added that he immediately applied full left aileron and full right rudder control inputs, however, the airplane ground looped to the left and the right wing contacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and elevator.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system on the airport reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 150° at 11 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot landed on runway 22.
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.