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Casualties unknown

Pilot Rides Out Ground Loop During Landing (N195MD)

Camarillo, CA, US

On November 5, 1991, a Cessna 195A (registration N195MD) operated by Russ T. & Tracey Alsobrook was involved in an aviation accident near Camarillo, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost directional control during landing as the aircraft swerved left then right. Unable to correct with rudder inputs, the pilot chose to ride out the ground loop rather than attempt a go-around.

What happened

According to the pilot's written statement, the aircraft began to swerve to the left immediately upon touchdown. The pilot applied corrective input to steer back to the right, but the aircraft subsequently started to swerve in that direction instead.

During the second swerve, the pilot reported that the aircraft became unresponsive to rudder inputs. Recognizing that the deviation from the runway centerline had progressed beyond the point where a go-around maneuver could be safely executed, the pilot elected to maintain control and ride out the ground loop until the aircraft came to a stop.

The investigation

The investigation relied primarily on the pilot's written statement regarding the sequence of events during the landing roll. No mechanical examination or physical evidence was cited in the provided source text.

Findings

  • Loss of directional control during the landing roll
  • Inability to correct aircraft heading using rudder inputs
  • Decision to continue the landing roll rather than attempt a go-around due to excessive deviation

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Nov 1991 Cessna 195A accident near Camarillo, CA?

A pilot lost directional control during landing as the aircraft swerved left then right. Unable to correct with rudder inputs, the pilot chose to ride out the ground loop rather than attempt a go-around.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Nov 1991 involved a Cessna 195A, registration N195MD, operated by Russ T. & Tracey Alsobrook, at Camarillo, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18481. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.