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Crosswind Causes Ground Loop and Nose-Over During Landing Roll (N4691B)

Lake Havasu Cty, AZ, US

On May 4, 1996, a Cessna 180 (registration N4691B) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Havasu Cty, AZ. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 May 1996 Cessna 180 accident near Lake Havasu Cty, AZ?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 May 1996 Cessna 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 May 1996 involved a Cessna 180, registration N4691B, at Lake Havasu Cty, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions and failure to maintain directional control. The wind was a factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05805. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.