On August 4, 1996, a Cessna A185F (registration N2431Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Casa Grande, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. Factors relating to the accident were: the student pilot's inadequate training and lack of certification (endorsement). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot lost directional control and ground looped the aircraft while practicing touch-and-go landings. The pilot had received dual instruction two months prior but lacked the endorsement to solo the accident airplane. Postaccident inspection found no preexisting mechanical issues.
Accident Details
A student pilot lost directional control and inadvertently ground looped the airplane after practicing touch-and-go landings and takeoffs. The student reported that the surface winds were slightly breezy at the time of the accident.
Background
The student pilot had received dual instruction in the accident airplane approximately two months before the accident. However, he did not receive the appropriate endorsement required to solo the aircraft.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preexisting malfunction or failure. The aircraft's systems and components were found to be in working order, with no indications of mechanical issues that could have contributed to the loss of control.