Casualties unknown

Pilot Ground-Loops Aircraft After Encountering Gusty Winds During Landing Roll (N9085R)

Sidney, MT, US

On August 9, 1999, a Cessna 188B (registration N9085R) was involved in an aviation accident near Sidney, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions. 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

A pilot encountered rain showers and thunderstorms after departure, returned to the airport, and lost directional control during landing roll due to a gust of wind, resulting in a ground loop.

Incident Overview

Shortly after departure, the pilot encountered rain showers and thunderstorms and elected to return to the airport. After touchdown, during the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind and became uncontrollable. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control and unintentionally ground-looped the aircraft.

Weather Conditions

The weather at the time of the accident, as reported by the pilot, consisted of winds from 280 degrees at 14 knots with gusts to 25 knots and rain showers.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19650. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.