Casualties unknown

Glider Tow Pilot Ground Loops After Bounced Landing on Grass Strip (N1556M)

Decatur, TX, US

On July 28, 1996, a Cessna 188A (registration N1556M) was involved in an aviation accident near Decatur, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor was the prevailing crosswind. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performing a three-point landing after releasing a glider experienced a bounce and loss of directional control, resulting in a ground loop. Winds were estimated from the north at 10 knots gusting to 15, with a left crosswind component.

Incident Overview

A pilot who had just completed towing and releasing a glider returned to land on a 3,200-foot grass airstrip. The intended landing direction was east-northeast. During the landing flare, the pilot attempted a three-point landing, but the airplane bounced and directional control was lost, leading to a ground loop.

Wind Conditions

The pilot noted that the winds had shifted considerably since departure. When the landing approach was initiated, a left crosswind prevailed. At the time of the accident, the wind was estimated from the north at 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot's statement, the bounce and subsequent loss of control occurred during the flare for the three-point landing. No further details about the aircraft or injuries were provided in the source.

Conclusion

The accident involved a bounced landing and ground loop during a crosswind landing on a grass airstrip. The source does not specify a probable cause.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06241. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.