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Crosswind Landing Leads to Ground Loop and Wing Damage (N9823X)

Durango, CO, US

On March 1, 1999, a Cessna 185 (registration N9823X) was involved in an aviation accident near Durango, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and inadvertently allowing the airplane to ground loop. 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

During a crosswind wheel landing on runway 20 with winds gusting to 24 mph, the pilot reported left brake application caused a skid, resulting in a ground loop and substantial left-wing damage.

Accident Overview

A pilot attempted a crosswind wheel landing on runway 20, with the wind reported as steady at 14 mph, gusting to 24 mph, from between 240 and 260 degrees. During the landing roll, the left wheel skidded when the pilot applied the left brake. The airplane subsequently ground looped and departed the right side of the runway, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing.

Aircraft Information

The airplane was certificated under FAA Type Certificate 3A24. According to the pilot, the Pilot's Operating Handbook did not list a maximum or demonstrated crosswind component for the aircraft.

Landing Details

The pilot was conducting a wheel landing in crosswind conditions. After touchdown, application of the left brake caused the left wheel to skid, initiating the ground loop. The airplane then veered off the right side of the runway, resulting in the wing damage. No other information was provided regarding occupants, injuries, or additional circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Mar 1999 Cessna 185 accident near Durango, CO?

During a crosswind wheel landing on runway 20 with winds gusting to 24 mph, the pilot reported left brake application caused a skid, resulting in a ground loop and substantial left-wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Mar 1999 Cessna 185 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Mar 1999 involved a Cessna 185, registration N9823X, at Durango, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and inadvertently allowing the airplane to ground loop. Factors were gusty crosswind conditions, pertinent crosswind information not made available by the manufacturer, and FAA's inadequate certification and approval of the airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00304. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.