Aircraft ground loop causes substantial damage during landing

Casualties unknown • Enumclaw, WA, US

An aircraft sustained substantial damage after experiencing a ground loop during the landing roll due to turbulent crosswinds.

What happened

While approaching the airport for landing, the pilot encountered turbulent conditions with winds blowing from the east. To better understand the wind direction, the pilot performed a circling maneuver around the runway. During this observation, the movement of trees lining the north side of the runway indicated that the wind was blowing down the runway from the east.

As the pilot proceeded with the landing, the aircraft experienced a sudden yaw to the left just after passing the tree line during the landing roll. In an attempt to maintain directional control, the pilot corrected the movement, but the aircraft then yawed to the right. Despite the application of full left rudder and braking action, the airplane ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a ground loop during the landing roll following an encounter with turbulent winds blowing from the east.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-09-22 Piper PA18-150 accident near Enumclaw, WA?

An aircraft sustained substantial damage after experiencing a ground loop during the landing roll due to turbulent crosswinds.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-09-22 involved a Piper PA18-150, registration N3189Z, at Enumclaw, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a ground loop during the landing roll following an encounter with turbulent winds blowing from the east.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24388. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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