On April 30, 2000, a Cessna 172M (registration N13330) operated by Terry L. Mullins was involved in an aviation accident near Clinton, TN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning necessitating an intentional ground loop maneuver on landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's misjudgment of distance/airspeed, the high terrain surrounding the runway, and the tailwind condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot ground looped his airplane after landing long on a 1300-foot sod airstrip, following a tailwind approach with excessive speed, to avoid an embankment and lake. No mechanical issues were reported.
Incident Details
The pilot was returning to a 1300-foot sod airstrip after refueling at a nearby airport. During the final approach, he maintained an airspeed of 80 to 85 knots. After completing the before landing checklist, which included lowering the wing flaps and applying carburetor heat, the pilot realized that the landing approach had a tailwind component. He noted that the airspeed was too high and that he did not feel the airplane had sufficient engine power to clear a lake and higher terrain beyond the end of the runway. Consequently, he elected to land long on the runway and performed a ground loop to avoid an embankment and a lake located on the departure end of the runway.
Witness Account
An eyewitness reported that the airplane appeared fast and long over the runway during the landing.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane had rotated 180 degrees on the ground and was facing the opposite direction of landing.
Pilot's Report
The pilot stated that he encountered no mechanical problems with the airplane.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Apr 2000 Cessna 172M accident near Clinton, TN?
A pilot ground looped his airplane after landing long on a 1300-foot sod airstrip, following a tailwind approach with excessive speed, to avoid an embankment and lake. No mechanical issues were reported.
Were there any fatalities in the 30 Apr 2000 Cessna 172M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Apr 2000 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N13330, operated by Terry L. Mullins, at Clinton, TN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning necessitating an intentional ground loop maneuver on landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's misjudgment of distance/airspeed, the high terrain surrounding the runway, and the tailwind condition.
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