Aircraft ground loop during landing at airport

Casualties unknown • Pasco, WA, US

An aircraft experienced a ground loop following a landing attempt where the pilot momentarily diverted attention to a taxiway.

What happened

During an attempt at a three-point landing, the pilot allowed the main wheels to contact the runway before the nose wheel, causing the aircraft to bounce back into the air. Upon the second touchdown, with all three wheels on the ground, the tower controller inquired if the pilot could utilize the next available taxiway.

In response to this inquiry, the pilot looked toward the taxiway to assess the feasibility of the turnoff. While the pilot's attention was diverted, the aircraft began veering to the left. An attempt to realign the aircraft with the runway centerline was unsuccessful, and the aircraft almost immediately entered a ground loop. During the maneuver, one wing struck the runway surface, causing the aircraft to tip up onto its nose.

Probable cause

The pilot's diversion of attention to evaluate a taxiway during the landing roll led to a loss of directional control and a subsequent ground loop.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-04-27 Cessna 180 accident near Pasco, WA?

An aircraft experienced a ground loop following a landing attempt where the pilot momentarily diverted attention to a taxiway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-04-27 involved a Cessna 180, registration N180MK, at Pasco, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's diversion of attention to evaluate a taxiway during the landing roll led to a loss of directional control and a subsequent ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030430X00601. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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