On July 27, 1988, a Cessna 180A (registration N5327D) was involved in an aviation accident near Northway, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right rudder return spring was not connected, causing the airplane to veer to the left upon touchdown. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercially certificated pilot experienced a ground loop while landing in Northway, Alaska, following a similar incident earlier in Whitehorse, Canada. Post-accident inspection revealed an unconnected right rudder return spring.
Accident Details
A commercially certificated pilot was landing an airplane at Northway, Alaska, when the airplane ground-looped to the left. This incident occurred shortly after the pilot had also ground-looped the same airplane while landing at Whitehorse, Canada, on the same flight. The pilot was on a pleasure flight to Alaska after recently purchasing the aircraft.
Inspection Findings
A post-accident inspection of the airplane discovered that the right rudder return spring was not connected. According to the inspection results, this disconnection caused the airplane to veer to the left upon touchdown.
Pilot Background
The pilot had a total tail-wheel experience of approximately 35 hours at the time of the accident.
Probable cause
The right rudder return spring was not connected, causing the airplane to veer to the left upon touchdown.
What happened in the 27 Jul 1988 Cessna 180A accident near Northway, AK?
A commercially certificated pilot experienced a ground loop while landing in Northway, Alaska, following a similar incident earlier in Whitehorse, Canada. Post-accident inspection revealed an unconnected right rudder return spring.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Jul 1988 involved a Cessna 180A, registration N5327D, at Northway, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The right rudder return spring was not connected, causing the airplane to veer to the left upon touchdown.
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