Casualties unknown

1998-05-15: Cessna 180 (N4775B) — Abilene, TX

Abilene, TX, US

On May 15, 1998, a Cessna 180 (registration N4775B) was involved in an aviation accident near Abilene, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper compensation for the crosswind conditions resulting in a ground loop. A factor was the crosswind condition. 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

During landing roll on runway 35L, a ground loop occurred after normal wheel landing. Pilot reported left crosswind gusts at 300 feet. Wind from 290 degrees at 13 knots gusting 17.

Accident Sequence

The event occurred during the landing roll phase on runway 35L. After touching down, the aircraft entered a ground loop. The landing itself was described as a normal main wheel contact, specifically a wheel landing.

Pilot's Report

The pilot stated that during the approach, at an altitude of roughly 300 feet above ground, he perceived left crosswind gusts. Following the touchdown, the aircraft began to slide or "scoot" to the right side of the runway while the pilot was concurrently trying to align the aircraft with the runway heading by weathervaning into the wind, which required turning to the left. This conflict between the aircraft's movement and the pilot's inputs resulted in the ground loop.

Environmental Conditions

Meteorological data at the time indicated the wind was from 290 degrees at 13 knots, with gusts reaching 17 knots. This wind vector produced a crosswind component from the left side, consistent with the pilot's observation of left crosswind gusts.

Probable Cause

The source document does not assign a probable cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10080. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.