FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Ground Loops and Noses Over During Takeoff in Crosswind (N5636J)

Five Points, CA, US

On January 18, 1983, a Cessna 188 (registration N5636J) was involved in an aviation accident near Five Points, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in a crosswind, which resulted in a ground loop and collapse of the right main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot lost control during takeoff in a crosswind, causing the aircraft to ground loop, collapse its right main gear, and nose over. The flight was a ferry operation after agricultural work was canceled due to wind.

What happened

The accident occurred while the aircraft was attempting to take off from a provisional strip under adverse weather conditions. Agricultural operations scheduled for the location had been canceled specifically because of high winds, prompting the pilot to ferry the empty aircraft instead of conducting crop dusting or other agricultural duties.

During the takeoff roll, the pilot lost control of the aircraft due to the crosswind conditions. The loss of directional control resulted in a ground loop maneuver. As the aircraft twisted on the runway surface, the right main landing gear collapsed under the stress. The force of the collapse caused the nose of the aircraft to pitch forward and over.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the landing gear following the impact. Examination confirmed that the right main landing gear had sustained significant damage consistent with the ground loop and subsequent nose-over event. No other mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors to the loss of control.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in a crosswind, which resulted in a ground loop and collapse of the right main landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jan 1983 Cessna 188 accident near Five Points, CA?

The pilot lost control during takeoff in a crosswind, causing the aircraft to ground loop, collapse its right main gear, and nose over. The flight was a ferry operation after agricultural work was canceled due to wind.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jan 1983 involved a Cessna 188, registration N5636J, at Five Points, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in a crosswind, which resulted in a ground loop and collapse of the right main landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42032. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.