Casualties unknown

1996-08-19: Cessna 195A (N4478C) — San Luis Obispo, CA

San Luis Obispo, CA, US

On August 19, 1996, a Cessna 195A (registration N4478C) was involved in an aviation accident near San Luis Obispo, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and left wing contact with the ground. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A certified aircraft mechanic reported that corrective actions taken during a landing roll caused the aircraft to ground loop, resulting in left wing contact with the ground.

What happened

The pilot, who is also a certificated aircraft mechanic, was operating the aircraft during the landing phase of flight. According to his statement, the airplane began to swerve toward the right side while on the runway during the landing roll. In an effort to regain directional control, the pilot applied corrective steering inputs. These actions resulted in the aircraft ground looping, a maneuver where the nose swings around the main landing gear. As a consequence of this loss of control, the left wing struck the ground.

The investigation

Following the incident, the pilot provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the damage. He explicitly stated that there were no preimpact malfunctions or failures of the airplane's systems or components that contributed to the event. The mechanical integrity of the aircraft prior to the swerve was confirmed by the pilot's professional assessment.

Findings

The primary factor in this accident was the loss of directional control during the landing roll. The sequence of events indicates that a rightward swerve occurred, which led to corrective overcontrol and a subsequent ground loop. This maneuver caused physical damage to the airframe, specifically involving contact between the left wing and the runway surface. No mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and left wing contact with the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06555. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.