Casualties unknown

2000-02-07: Cessna A185F (N721) — U.s. Fish And Wildlife Service — Loveland, CO

Loveland, CO, US

On February 7, 2000, a Cessna A185F (registration N721) operated by U.s. Fish And Wildlife Service was involved in an aviation accident near Loveland, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot in command to maintain directional control, resulting in an inadvertent ground loop. A factor was the crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a biennial flight review, a flight instructor not current in the airplane executed a full stop landing in a crosswind, causing a ground loop and left main landing gear collapse.

Overview

A flight instructor, who was not current in the airplane, was providing a biennial flight review (BFR) to a commercial pilot. The instructor occupied the right seat, while the commercial pilot sat in the left seat. At the conclusion of the BFR, it was agreed that the instructor would perform a full stop landing.

Approach and Landing

The approach to runway 15 was conducted normally in a moderate right crosswind, with winds reported as 5 to 10 knots and variable. The landing was a full stall type, executed with a slight crab into the crosswind. The tail wheel touched down first, followed by the main landing gear.

Post-Landing Sequence

Shortly after touchdown, the airplane veered to the right and entered a ground loop. During the ground loop, the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to a halt off the right side of runway 15.

Aircraft Damage

The left main landing gear collapsed as a result of the ground loop. No other damage is specified in the report.

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.