On May 18, 2000, a Cessna 185 (registration N9955X) was involved in an aviation accident near Borrego Springs, CA. 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.
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.