2001-04-16: Cessna A185F — Fayetteville, NC

Casualties unknown • Fayetteville, NC, US

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane after encounter wind gusts during landing roll resulting in the airplane ground looping to the left and the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and right elevator contacting the runway and receiving substantial damage.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot stated that during landing rollout, a gust of wind caused the airplane to turn to the left. Attempts to correct the left turn were unsuccessful and the airplane ground looped to the left 90 degrees and came to rest on the runway. The right wing, horizontal stabilizer, and elevator contacted the runway and received damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-04-16 Cessna A185F accident near Fayetteville, NC?

The pilot stated that during landing rollout, a gust of wind caused the airplane to turn to the left. Attempts to correct the left turn were unsuccessful and the airplane ground looped to the left 90 degrees and came to rest on the runway. The right wing, horizontal stabilizer, and elevator contacted the runway and…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-04-16 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N252W, at Fayetteville, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane after encounter wind gusts during landing roll resulting in the airplane ground looping to the left and the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and right elevator contacting the runway and receiving substantial damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010419X00782. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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