Casualties unknown

2005-05-05: Cessna 120 (N77377) — Elk River, ID

Elk River, ID, US

On May 5, 2005, a Cessna 120 (registration N77377) was involved in an aviation accident near Elk River, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop. 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

A pilot lost directional control during landing on Runway 17, causing the aircraft to ground loop and strike the surface with the propeller and left wing.

What happened

The pilot was operating the aircraft for a landing maneuver on Runway 17. During the landing roll, the pilot reported that he was unable to maintain directional control of the airplane. This loss of control resulted in the aircraft ground looping.

As a consequence of the ground loop, the propeller and the left wing made contact with the ground surface. The impact caused damage to the wing tip and the outboard section of the aileron. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft at the time of the accident. Weather conditions were reported as calm.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the loss of directional control during the landing roll. Examination of the damage indicated that the propeller and left wing had contacted the surface. The pilot stated that the aircraft was in normal mechanical condition prior to the incident.

Findings

Contributing factors included the failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which led to the ground loop. The calm wind conditions did not appear to be a contributing factor to the loss of control.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050509X00579. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.