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Ground Loop During Landing on Dirt Road Damages Aircraft (N3196D)

Albuquerque, NM, US

On June 20, 1998, a Cessna 180 (registration N3196D) was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during landing roll. A factor was 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While landing on a dirt road to refuel, a pilot lost control during the landing roll, resulting in a ground loop that damaged the right wing, stabilizer, landing gear, propeller, and cowl.

Incident Overview

A pilot experienced a loss of control while landing on a dirt road used for refueling at a service station. During the landing roll, the aircraft performed a ground loop, causing damage to multiple components.

Damage Sustained

The ground loop resulted in damage to the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, main landing gear, propeller, and cowl.

Pilot Account

The pilot, who reported that he frequently landed on the road to refuel, stated that on this occasion he failed to correct for a crosswind. The crosswind was reported to be between 15 and 20 knots.

Circumstances

The landing was conducted on a dirt road. The pilot had previously landed on the same road without incident. The specific aircraft type, registration, and other identifying details were not included in the factual report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jun 1998 Cessna 180 accident near Albuquerque, NM?

While landing on a dirt road to refuel, a pilot lost control during the landing roll, resulting in a ground loop that damaged the right wing, stabilizer, landing gear, propeller, and cowl.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jun 1998 Cessna 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jun 1998 involved a Cessna 180, registration N3196D, at Albuquerque, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during landing roll. A factor was crosswind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10320. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.