On October 1, 2004, a Cessna 185F (registration N714MX) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa FE, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing roll resulting in a ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During touch and go landings on runway 20, a wind gust caused the aircraft to veer left. Despite applying power and full right rudder, the pilot could not correct, resulting in a loop and impact with the runway, causing substantial damage.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported an incident while performing touch and go landings on runway 20. According to the pilot, during the landing roll, a wind gust from the left caused the aircraft to 'weather cock' to about 15 degrees left of the centerline. The pilot stated that he applied power and full right rudder but was unable to straighten the airplane.
Loss of Control
The pilot then reduced engine power and applied brakes. The aircraft looped to the left, and the right wing and elevator impacted the runway. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. An inspection of the airplane systems revealed no anomalies.
Weather Conditions
The Aviation Routine Weather Report at 1502 recorded wind at 150 degrees at 7 knots with gusts to 15 knots.
Conclusion
The pilot's account indicates that the wind gust exceeded the corrective capacity of the flight controls during the landing roll. No mechanical issues were found during the post-incident inspection.