Ground loop and landing gear collapse during flight review

Casualties unknown • Loveland, CO, US

A flight instructor and a commercial pilot were involved in a ground loop and landing gear collapse following a full stall landing at an unspecified airport.

What happened

During the conclusion of a Biennial Flight Review (BFR), a flight instructor and a commercial pilot were performing maneuvers in an unspecified aircraft. The flight instructor, who was seated in the right seat and was not current in the aircraft type, was conducting the review for the commercial pilot seated in the left seat.

As part of the agreed-upon maneuvers, the instructor prepared to execute a full stop landing. The approach to runway 15 was conducted under moderate right crosswind conditions, with winds measured between 5 and 10 knots and varying in direction. The instructor performed a full stall landing while maintaining a slight crab into the crosswind.

The sequence of touchdown began with the tail wheel, followed by the main landing gear. Upon contact, the aircraft veered to the right, resulting in a ground loop. During this maneuver, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the airplane to come to a rest off the right side of runway 15. There were no injuries reported for the occupants.

Probable cause

The occurrence of a ground loop and subsequent left main landing gear collapse during a full stall landing in moderate crosswind conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-02-07 Cessna A185F accident near Loveland, CO?

A flight instructor and a commercial pilot were involved in a ground loop and landing gear collapse following a full stall landing at an unspecified airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-02-07 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N721, operated by U.s. Fish And Wildlife Service, at Loveland, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The occurrence of a ground loop and subsequent left main landing gear collapse during a full stall landing in moderate crosswind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20484. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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