On March 31, 2004, a Cessna 305A (registration N5210G) was involved in an aviation accident near Bozeman, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in the tail wheel-equipped aircraft, leading to an inadvertent ground-loop, during which the aircraft's wing impacted the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel aircraft suddenly swerved left during landing roll, exited the runway, and entered a ground loop. Post-accident inspection revealed no anomalies in braking, rudder, or tailwheel systems.
Accident Narrative
The flare, touchdown, and initial portion of the landing roll proceeded normally and without incident. As the aircraft decelerated, it unexpectedly veered to the left. The pilot's corrective inputs to realign the aircraft with the runway direction proved unsuccessful. Consequently, the aircraft departed the left side of the runway and transitioned into a ground loop. During the ground loop sequence, the right main landing gear leg partially collapsed under the aircraft, and the right wing made contact with the terrain.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the accident, an examination of the aircraft's braking system, rudder control system, and tail wheel assembly was conducted. The inspection yielded no indications of malfunction or abnormality that could account for the loss of directional control.