Aircraft ground loop during wheel landing at SJN

Casualties unknown • St. Johns, AZ, US

A pilot experienced a ground loop while performing a wheel landing on runway 14, resulting in damage to the aircraft's left wing tip and landing gear.

What happened

During a routine flight, the pilot was executing a wheel landing on runway 14. The landing proceeded normally until the tail wheel made contact with the ground. At that moment, the Cessna (type not specified in source) veered sharply to the right, resulting in a ground loop. The aircraft traveled approximately 180 degrees from the original runway heading and came to a stop roughly 3 feet outside of the runway edge.

The incident resulted in damage to the left landing gear and the left wing tip. No injuries were reported following the event.

The investigation

An examination of the weather conditions at SJN revealed that wind directions had been variable throughout much of the morning, with speeds remaining below 4 knots. A METAR issued approximately six minutes before the accident indicated winds from a magnetic heading of 290 degrees at 5 knots. Prior to the ground loop, the pilot reported no mechanical issues or malfunctions regarding the aircraft.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a ground loop during a wheel landing after the tail wheel touched down.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-07-31 Cessna 180 accident near St. Johns, AZ?

A pilot experienced a ground loop while performing a wheel landing on runway 14, resulting in damage to the aircraft's left wing tip and landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-07-31 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2935A, at St. Johns, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a ground loop during a wheel landing after the tail wheel touched down.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030822X01386. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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