Ground loop and landing gear collapse during landing

Casualties unknown • Show Low, AZ, US

An aircraft experienced a ground loop and right main landing gear collapse while on its landing roll, resulting in damage to the wing spar.

What happened

While performing the landing roll, the aircraft entered a ground loop. Prior to arrival, the pilot estimated wind conditions at the destination airport to be between 350 and 050 degrees with a velocity of approximately 10 knots. The pilot maintained visual contact with the airport windsock while flying the downwind leg of the traffic pattern.

Upon touching down on the runway surface, the aircraft encountered a crosswind from the left. This resulted in a ground loop that caused the right main landing gear to collapse. Following the collapse, the right wing made contact with the terrain, which caused damage to the spar.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft revealed damage to the wing spar following its contact with the ground. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures present in the aircraft prior to the impact. Weather data from the airport's Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) indicated winds of 360 degrees at 9 knots approximately 25 minutes before the accident, and winds of 340 degrees at 10 knots approximately 35 minutes after the accident.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered a crosswind during the landing roll, leading to a ground loop and subsequent gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-11-19 Cessna A185E accident near Show Low, AZ?

An aircraft experienced a ground loop and right main landing gear collapse while on its landing roll, resulting in damage to the wing spar.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-11-19 involved a Cessna A185E, registration N4562F, at Show Low, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered a crosswind during the landing roll, leading to a ground loop and subsequent gear collapse.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051206X01942. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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