FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Substantial Damage in Ground Loop During Landing (N2732K)

ST Charles, MO, US

On March 8, 2003, a Cessna 180K (registration N2732K) was involved in an aviation accident near ST Charles, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control resulting in a ground loop. A factor was the crosswind. 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

While landing, an airplane ground looped after the left wing 'floated' as it passed hangars. The pilot had estimated a 9-knot crosswind. Substantial damage occurred.

Incident Details

An airplane was substantially damaged after it ground looped while landing. The pilot reported checking the weather conditions about 20 minutes prior to the accident and estimating the crosswind at 9 knots.

Pilot's Account

During the landing roll, the aircraft passed a row of hangars. As the airplane cleared the last hangar, the left wing began to 'float,' according to the pilot. The pilot attempted corrective actions but was unable to prevent the ground loop.

Aftermath

The ground loop resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. The source does not provide information about injuries or damage to other property.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Mar 2003 Cessna 180K accident near ST Charles, MO?

While landing, an airplane ground looped after the left wing 'floated' as it passed hangars. The pilot had estimated a 9-knot crosswind. Substantial damage occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Mar 2003 Cessna 180K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Mar 2003 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N2732K, at ST Charles, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control resulting in a ground loop. A factor was the crosswind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030327X00403. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.