Casualties unknown

1992-10-03: Cessna Ector 305A (N910E) — Lone Star Flight Meseum — Houston, TX

Houston, TX, US

On October 3, 1992, a Cessna Ector 305A (registration N910E) operated by Lone Star Flight Meseum was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT GROUND LOOP. FACTORS WERE THE LEFT QUARTERING TAILWIND AND THE INABILITY OF THE OTHER PILOT TO SEE THIS AIRPLANE DURING THE LANDING ROLL. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a four-ship formation landing following an air show, a Cessna Ector 305A (N910E) ground-looped left into the path of a Stinson L-5 (N6438C), resulting in a collision on the left side of the runway. A left quartering tailwind of 4-10 knots was reported.

Accident Details

On the day of the incident, a flight of four aircraft was landing in staggered trail formation after an air show performance. The Cessna Ector 305A, registration N910E, was the number two aircraft, and the Stinson L-5, registration N6438C, was the number three aircraft. According to the briefing, the Ector 305A was to land on the right side of the runway centerline. During the landing roll, the Ector 305A ground looped to the left and came to rest in the path of the Stinson L-5, which had landed on the left side of the runway centerline. The collision occurred on the left side of the runway centerline. The pilot of the Stinson stated that he lost sight of the Ector 305A as he lowered the tail of his airplane during the landing roll. The official weather observation and witnesses reported that the aircraft landed with a left quartering tailwind of between 4 and 10 knots.

Aircraft Information

The Cessna Ector 305A (N910E) and Stinson L-5 (N6438C) were both participating in the formation landing. No further details about the aircraft or their occupants were provided in the source.

Weather Conditions

The official weather observation and witness reports indicated a left quartering tailwind of 4 to 10 knots at the time of landing. No other weather data is specified.

Sequence of Events

The four-ship flight was landing in staggered trail formation following an air show performance. The Ector 305A, as number two, landed on the right side of the runway centerline per the briefing. The Stinson L-5, as number three, landed on the left side. During the landing roll, the Ector 305A ground looped to the left and ended up in the Stinson's path. The Stinson pilot lost sight of the Ector 305A when lowering the tail of his aircraft. The resulting collision occurred on the left side of the runway centerline.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15862. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.