Pilot Debrief

CESSNA A185 near Clovis, NM — 2017-05-31

Final reportGAA17CA313
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Date
2017-05-31
Location
Clovis, NM, USA
Airport
CVN
Aircraft
CESSNA A185
Registration
N185FF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB 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 that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 150° at 11 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot landed on runway 22.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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