On July 5, 1995, a Cessna 180E (registration N8676X) was involved in an aviation accident near Springdale, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE CROSSWIND CONDITIONS. FACTORS WERE THE CROSSWIND, AND THE PILOT'S IMPROPER WEATHER EVALUATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost control of a tailwheel aircraft while landing on Runway 18 with a gusty crosswind. The airplane ground looped, damaging the left wing spar. The flight, carrying four parachutists, was aborted due to high winds. The pilot's weather evaluation was based on television forecasts indicating an approaching storm.
Accident Details
During an attempted landing on Runway 18, a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a loss of control. The wind was reported from 290 degrees at 19 knots, gusting to 37 knots. The aircraft subsequently ground looped, and the left wing spar sustained damage when the wing struck the ground.
Flight Information
The pilot had departed the airport with four parachutists aboard for a local parachute jumping flight. However, the mission was aborted due to the high winds prevailing in the area, forcing a return to the airport.
Weather Evaluation
Prior to departure, the pilot assessed the weather using local reports and forecasts received via television. These sources indicated that a 'storm' was approaching.