Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Aircraft Ground Loops on Landing, Landing Gear Collapses (N21827)

Erie, CO, US

On July 20, 1998, a Cessna A188B (registration N21827) was involved in an aviation accident near Erie, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A factor was a crosswind gust. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During landing on runway 33, a gust of wind caused the aircraft to yaw right, leading to a ground loop that sheared left main landing gear attach bolts and damaged the right wing.

Accident Overview

A pilot experienced a ground loop while landing on runway 33. The incident occurred when a gust of wind affected directional control as the tail wheel was about to touch down.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that as the airplane reached approximately midfield on the landing roll, a gust of wind overcame the ability to keep the airplane centered on the runway. This wind gust caused the airplane to yaw to the right. The gust was encountered just as the tail wheel was about to touch down, a phase the pilot described as "when rudder is least effective."

Damage

The ensuing ground loop sheared the attach bolts on the left main landing gear, causing it to collapse. The right wing also sustained damage.

Reported Wind Conditions

The reported wind at the time was from 010 degrees at 5 knots.

Conclusion

The aircraft ground looped due to a wind gust during the landing roll, resulting in structural damage to the landing gear and wing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10589. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.