Casualties unknown

1994-05-25: Cessna A185F (N8527Q) — Coffman, Edward K. — Chapel Hill, NC

Chapel Hill, NC, US

On May 25, 1994, a Cessna A185F (registration N8527Q) operated by Coffman, Edward K. was involved in an aviation accident near Chapel Hill, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. FACTORS WERE THE CROSSWINDS AND GUSTS PREVAILING AT THE AIRPORT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. 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

An aircraft landing on Runway 27 encountered a wind gust during rollout, lost directional control, departed the runway to the right, and ground looped. The pilot reported no mechanical issues.

Incident Overview

During a landing on Runway 27, the pilot reported surface winds from the south at 7 to 10 knots with gusts up to 15 knots. As the aircraft touched down and began its rollout, a gust of wind was encountered, leading to a loss of directional control.

Sequence of Events

Upon encountering the gust, the pilot was unable to maintain the aircraft's heading. The aircraft veered off the runway surface to the right and subsequently performed a ground loop. After coming to a stop, the pilot confirmed that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft.

Aftermath

No injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained damage consistent with a ground loop event. The pilot stated that all aircraft systems functioned normally prior to and during the landing.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that the loss of control was directly attributable to the sudden wind gust during the landing rollout. No pre-existing mechanical issues were identified as contributing factors.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01217. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.