On July 24, 1992, a Cessna 180 (registration N9398C) operated by Neel Glass was involved in an aviation accident near Wrangell, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control following a tail wheel shimmy during landing, which resulted in a ground loop. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tail wheel shimmy during landing prevented the pilot from maintaining directional control, leading to a ground loop and significant structural damage after the brakes were applied.
What happened
Upon touchdown, the aircraft's tail wheel assembly began to oscillate rapidly. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control but was unable to dampen the shimmy. In an effort to halt the aircraft's forward momentum, the pilot applied the brakes. This action caused the airplane to ground loop before it eventually came to a complete stop.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed significant damage to the tail wheel assembly resulting from the ground loop. Due to the extent of this damage, investigators were unable to determine the root cause of the initial shimmy.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control following a tail wheel shimmy during landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
What happened in the 24 Jul 1992 Cessna 180 accident near Wrangell, AK?
A tail wheel shimmy during landing prevented the pilot from maintaining directional control, leading to a ground loop and significant structural damage after the brakes were applied.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Jul 1992 involved a Cessna 180, registration N9398C, operated by Neel Glass, at Wrangell, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control following a tail wheel shimmy during landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
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