On April 26, 1988, a Cessna 180A (registration N9712B) operated by Michael T. Herndon was involved in an aviation accident near Danville, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to perform a wheel landing and the subsequent control inputs that led to the separation of the left main landing gear axle. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel-equipped aircraft veered right during a wheel landing attempt, causing the left main gear axle to separate and resulting in a ground loop.
What happened
The pilot executed a wheel landing, attempting to keep the tailwheel off the runway surface by maintaining nose-down elevator pressure. As the maneuver progressed, the right wing began to lift, causing the aircraft to veer toward the right side of the runway. The pilot applied remedial control inputs to correct the deviation. These inputs caused the left main landing gear axle to separate from the airframe. Consequently, the aircraft ground looped to the left.
The investigation
A review of the aircraft revealed no preexisting mechanical or structural difficulties that contributed to the incident. The failure of the left main landing gear axle occurred during the corrective phase of the landing maneuver.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to perform a wheel landing and the subsequent control inputs that led to the separation of the left main landing gear axle.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Apr 1988 Cessna 180A accident near Danville, KY?
A tailwheel-equipped aircraft veered right during a wheel landing attempt, causing the left main gear axle to separate and resulting in a ground loop.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Apr 1988 involved a Cessna 180A, registration N9712B, operated by Michael T. Herndon, at Danville, KY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to perform a wheel landing and the subsequent control inputs that led to the separation of the left main landing gear axle.
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