What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-03-13 involved a Cessna 305A, registration N5188G, at Coalinga, CA.

Ground Loop During Wheel Landing Attempt on Runway 32 (N5188G)

On March 13, 1999, a Cessna 305A (registration N5188G) was involved in an aviation accident near Coalinga, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot familiar with his conventional gear airplane attempted a wheel landing on runway 32. The airplane swerved, leading to a loss of directional control and a ground loop. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that he was familiar with the flight characteristics and operation of his conventional gear airplane. While attempting to perform a wheel landing on runway 32, the airplane began to swerve. The pilot subsequently lost directional control, resulting in a ground loop.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, no mechanical malfunctions were experienced during the flight. The local surface wind was from approximately 090 degrees at a speed between 3 and 5 knots.

Sequence of Events

The pilot initiated the wheel landing on runway 32. During the landing roll, the airplane deviated from its intended path. The pilot's efforts to correct the swerve were unsuccessful, and the airplane ground looped.

Conditions

Wind conditions at the time of the incident were light and variable, with the recorded wind direction from 090 degrees and speed between 3 and 5 knots.

1999-03-13: Cessna 305A (N5188G) — Coalinga, CA