On May 4, 1996, a Cessna 180 (registration N4691B) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Havasu Cty, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions and failure to maintain directional control. The wind was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that during the landing roll, a crosswind lifted the right wing, causing the left wing to drag on the ground. The airplane then ground looped and nosed over, damaging the vertical stabilizer.
Accident Summary
A pilot reported encountering a crosswind during the landing roll. The crosswind lifted the right wing high enough that the left wing dragged on the ground. The airplane subsequently ground looped and nosed over, resulting in damage to the vertical stabilizer.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, the crosswind condition caused the right wing to rise. As the left wing contacted the ground, the airplane lost directional control, entered a ground loop, and flipped onto its nose.
Weather Conditions
The airport manager reported that the automatic weather reporting station (AWOS) recorded winds from 230 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 23 knots, at the time of the accident.