Casualties unknown

2004-02-13: Cessna 185F (N4836Q) — Michael Golder — Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ, US

On February 13, 2004, a Cessna 185F (registration N4836Q) operated by Michael Golder was involved in an aviation accident near Mesa, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. A factor in this accident was the pilot's diverted attention. 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

During a touch-and-go landing, a pilot looked down to adjust the trim, causing the airplane to ground loop and veer off the runway, striking the left wing. No mechanical issues were reported. The pilot had 7 hours in the make and model.

Sequence of Events

The pilot was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. During the landing rollout, the pilot looked down to set the trim. When the pilot looked up, the airplane was turning to the right, and the left wing tip was nearly contacting the ground. The airplane then veered off the runway, and the left wing struck the ground.

Pilot Experience

The pilot reported a total flying experience of approximately 265 hours, with the majority of the flight time in conventional gear airplanes. The pilot had approximately 7 hours of flight time in this make and model of airplane, accumulating 2 hours of flight time in the last thirty days.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the accident, the 90-degree right crosswind component was approximately 8 knots.

Pilot Recommendation

To prevent similar accidents, the pilot recommended "not looking down, and flying the airplane until it stops."

Additional Information

The pilot reported that no mechanical problems were experienced with the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040223X00218. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.