On April 22, 1990, a Cessna 170B (registration N8074A) operated by Wilson, Richard H. was involved in an aviation accident near Englewood, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing by not applying rudder input promptly enough to counteract crosswind conditions, which led to a groundloop and subsequent nose-over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a groundloop during landing due to crosswind correction delays, resulting in the aircraft nosing over near the runway edge after braking.
What happened
The pilot was attempting to land on Runway 28 when he estimated that the wind conditions were from 210 degrees at 15 knots. The landing approach appeared normal initially; however, the left wing of the aircraft began to rise unexpectedly. The pilot acknowledged that he did not apply rudder input quickly enough to counteract the crosswind component. As a result, the airplane started to groundloop to the left.
During the subsequent loss of directional control, the pilot likely applied the brakes near the edge of the runway. This braking action caused the nose of the aircraft to pitch forward, resulting in a nose-over incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing by not applying rudder input promptly enough to counteract crosswind conditions, which led to a groundloop and subsequent nose-over.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Apr 1990 Cessna 170B accident near Englewood, CO?
A pilot experienced a groundloop during landing due to crosswind correction delays, resulting in the aircraft nosing over near the runway edge after braking.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Apr 1990 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N8074A, operated by Wilson, Richard H., at Englewood, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing by not applying rudder input promptly enough to counteract crosswind conditions, which led to a groundloop and subsequent nose-over.
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