On May 27, 1997, a Cessna 180 (registration N9408C) was involved in an aviation accident near Olney, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel-equipped aircraft experienced a crosswind landing incident where an initial touchdown led to a ground loop, resulting in collapsed gear and wing damage.
What happened
The pilot reported encountering a right quartering crosswind during the approach and landing phase. Upon initial contact with the runway, the aircraft touched down on the right main wheel before becoming airborne again. During this brief re-entry into the air, the nose of the airplane yawed into the wind direction.
Subsequently, the tailwheel-equipped aircraft landed in a sideways attitude. This unusual touchdown configuration caused the aircraft to ground-loop to the right. The force of the ground loop resulted in structural failures, specifically causing the left main landing gear to collapse and the left wing tip to strike the ground.
The investigation
Post-accident examination confirmed the mechanical damage described by the pilot. The primary structural impact involved the left side of the aircraft's undercarriage and forward fuselage area.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 27 May 1997 Cessna 180 accident near Olney, TX?
A tailwheel-equipped aircraft experienced a crosswind landing incident where an initial touchdown led to a ground loop, resulting in collapsed gear and wing damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 May 1997 involved a Cessna 180, registration N9408C, at Olney, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…