On July 29, 1983, a Cessna 190 (registration N1040D) was involved in an aviation accident near Lordsburg, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a groundloop and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft groundlooped upon landing on runway 30 due to variable winds. The pilot attempted to correct the heading, causing the left main gear to collapse as the plane crossed back over the runway.
What happened
The aircraft experienced a groundloop while landing on runway 30. Upon touchdown, the aircraft departed from the left side of the paved surface. The pilot attempted to steer the aircraft back onto the runway by turning toward the right side, establishing a heading of approximately 030 degrees.
During this corrective maneuver, the left main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft was operating in variable wind conditions ranging from 10 to 20 knots at the time of the incident.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft confirmed that the left main landing gear had failed structurally during the groundloop and subsequent steering attempt. No other mechanical anomalies were identified as contributing factors to the initial loss of directional control.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a groundloop and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear.