What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-07-13 involved a Cessna 180, registration N4740B, at Thermal, CA.

Ground Loop During Crosswind Landing Results in Damage to Left Main Gear and Wing (N4740B)

On July 13, 1996, a Cessna 180 (registration N4740B) was involved in an aviation accident near Thermal, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing wind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

While landing with a crosswind, a pilot lost directional control after a gust of wind pushed the tail, leading to a ground loop that collapsed the left main landing gear and bent the left wing.

Event Summary

A pilot reported that during an approach to an airport, he attempted to contact the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) for an airport advisory but was unable to raise any station. He then monitored the Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) from a nearby airport and selected runway 35 based on that information.

Pilot Actions

Upon entering the traffic pattern, the pilot observed the windsock indicating an east wind at approximately the speed obtained from the ATIS. He configured the aircraft for a crosswind landing. The touchdown on the main wheels and the subsequent ground roll were uneventful until the pilot lowered the tailwheel to the ground.

Loss of Directional Control

Just after the tailwheel made contact with the runway, a gust of wind from the east pushed the tail to the left. The pilot reported that he was unable to regain directional control despite applying rudder and brake inputs. The aircraft ground looped to the right.

Damage

The ground loop resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear and structural bending of the left wing.

1996-07-13: Cessna 180 (N4740B) — Thermal, CA