Casualties unknown

2004-02-29: Cessna A185F (N338H) — Tucson, AZ

Tucson, AZ, US

On February 29, 2004, a Cessna A185F (registration N338H) was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the quartering tailwind and failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout. 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 landing rollout with a quartering tailwind, the pilot lost control and the airplane ground looped, resulting in a wing contacting the runway.

Incident Details

A pilot experienced a loss of control during the landing rollout of a recent flight, resulting in a ground loop. The flight, which lasted approximately two hours, was conducted in an airplane the pilot had purchased a few days earlier. The accident occurred after landing on runway 11R.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that on final approach, the local controller advised that the wind was from 300 degrees at 7 knots and cleared him to land. The pilot performed a normal three-point touchdown and rolled out without initial difficulty. As the airplane decelerated, a tailwind became present, and the airplane swerved. The pilot applied corrective rudder pressure but stated that he should have increased engine power to help maintain directional control. However, no engine power was added.

Outcome

When the airplane swerved, a wing contacted the runway. The pilot lost control during the rollout with a quartering tailwind, leading to the ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040304X00263. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.