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Landing Rollout Tailwind Gust Leads to Ground Loop (N9955X)

Borrego Springs, CA, US

On May 18, 2000, a Cessna 185 (registration N9955X) was involved in an aviation accident near Borrego Springs, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during landing. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing rollout, a gusting quartering tailwind lifted the airplane's left wing, causing it to veer right and ground loop into soft sand beside the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical issues.

Incident Details

An airplane experienced a ground loop during landing rollout after encountering a gusting quartering tailwind. The event occurred on a runway where the wind was reported as southwest at 8 to 10 knots with higher gusts.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, during the landing rollout, a gusting quartering tailwind lifted the left wing. This caused the airplane to veer to the right side of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped into the soft sand adjacent to the runway. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane.

Wind Conditions

The airport manager reported that the wind was from the southwest at 8 to 10 knots, with higher gusts. The pilot characterized the wind encountered during rollout as a gusting quartering tailwind.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 May 2000 Cessna 185 accident near Borrego Springs, CA?

During landing rollout, a gusting quartering tailwind lifted the airplane's left wing, causing it to veer right and ground loop into soft sand beside the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical issues.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 May 2000 Cessna 185 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 May 2000 involved a Cessna 185, registration N9955X, at Borrego Springs, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21044. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.