On August 25, 1987, a Cessna A188B (registration N731GG) operated by Bill Witten was involved in an aviation accident near Stonington, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to avoid an obstruction on the runway, which resulted in a tire blowout and subsequent loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an aerial application flight, the pilot landed on a road to visit a customer. A left main landing gear tire blew out during touchdown, causing the aircraft to ground loop and sustain significant wing damage.
What happened
The pilot reported that he had completed an aerial application flight and landed on a road to visit with a customer. During the landing roll, the left main landing gear tire blew out. The aircraft subsequently ground looped. The left main landing gear collapsed during the ground loop, and both wings were damaged. The pilot stated that the left main tire evidently impacted with an obstruction while spraying.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that the left main landing gear collapsed during the ground loop. Both wings sustained damage as a result of the incident. The pilot indicated that the left main tire evidently impacted with an obstruction while spraying.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to avoid an obstruction on the runway, which resulted in a tire blowout and subsequent loss of control.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Aug 1987 Cessna A188B accident near Stonington, CO?
During an aerial application flight, the pilot landed on a road to visit a customer. A left main landing gear tire blew out during touchdown, causing the aircraft to ground loop and sustain significant wing damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Aug 1987 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N731GG, operated by Bill Witten, at Stonington, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to avoid an obstruction on the runway, which resulted in a tire blowout and subsequent loss of control.
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