Aircraft ground loop during landing near Elko

Casualties unknown • Elko, NV, US

An aircraft experienced a ground loop on the runway after encountering shifting winds and turbulence during its approach and landing.

What happened

The pilot initially contacted the air traffic control tower approximately 10 miles southwest of the airport. Following instructions to enter a left traffic pattern for runway 2മുണ്ട, the pilot was advised that winds were from 330 degrees at 10 knots. While abeam the threshold on the downwind leg, the pilot received clearance to land, though wind information updated to indicate winds from 340 degrees at 7 knots with an increased velocity of 18 knots.

The pilot subsequently requested and was granted permission to enter a right downwind for runway 30. During this phase, winds were reported as variable from 300 to 030 degrees at 10 to 18 knots. While on final approach for runway 30, the tower informed the pilot that winds had shifted to 020 degrees at 15 knots. A final wind check prior to touchdown indicated winds from 030 degrees at 16 knots.

Upon landing, the aircraft touched down and bounced, subsequently veering toward the left edge of the runway. The pilot reported that while attempting to correct for the left drift, the right wing rose, causing the aircraft to cross the runway in a right arc on the left main wheel. This resulted in a ground loop at the right edge of the runway.

Prior to the incident, the pilot noted lightning activity from a cloud located 2 to 3 miles northeast of the airport while 15 miles southwest of Elko. Additionally, a departing aircraft reported experiencing significant updrafts and downdrafts east of the airport during the same period.

Probable cause

The aircraft ground looped due to the pilot's attempt to correct for left drift following a bounce on touchdown amidst shifting wind conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-05-22 Cessna A185F accident near Elko, NV?

An aircraft experienced a ground loop on the runway after encountering shifting winds and turbulence during its approach and landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-05-22 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N185FM, at Elko, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft ground looped due to the pilot's attempt to correct for left drift following a bounce on touchdown amidst shifting wind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18823. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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