Casualties unknown

2003-06-05: Cessna 140A (N5667C) — Grinnell, IA

Grinnell, IA, US

On June 5, 2003, a Cessna 140A (registration N5667C) was involved in an aviation accident near Grinnell, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent ground loop. Factors contributing to the accident were the wind gusts and crosswind conditions. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane ground looped and nosed over during landing after encountering a right rear-quartering gust, according to the pilot. Winds nearby were recorded as 210 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots.

Accident Description

An airplane experienced a ground loop during the landing roll and subsequently nosed over. The pilot reported that the approach and touchdown were normal before the unexpected event occurred.

Pilot Reports

The pilot stated that prior to landing, he received a report from another aircraft indicating that the winds at the destination were variable and that he could choose a preferred runway. The pilot noted that the approach and touchdown proceeded without incident. However, during the landing roll, he encountered a right rear-quartering gust. The airplane swerved, ground looped, and then nosed over.

Wind Conditions

At the time of the accident, winds recorded at a location 21 miles south-southwest of the accident site were 210 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot did not specify the exact wind conditions at the accident site itself.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, after a normal touchdown, the airplane was affected by a gust from the right rear quarter. This caused the airplane to swerve, leading to a ground loop. The ground loop resulted in the airplane nosing over. No further details about the aircraft or the extent of damage were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030611X00851. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.