On June 14, 2006, a Grumman-schweizer G-164A (registration N9709) was involved in an aviation accident near Cokeville, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control resulting in a ground loop. Contributing factors included the high winds and crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot returning to the airport due to an approaching thunderstorm experienced a ground loop during the landing roll after encountering a gust of wind, resulting in separation of both wings and damage to the propeller and horizontal stabilizer.
Incident Overview
A pilot was returning to the airport due to an approaching thunderstorm. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and ground looped. The ground loop caused both wings to separate, the propeller to bend, and the horizontal stabilizer to be crushed and wrinkled.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no anomalies with the airframe or airplane systems prior to the event.
Weather Conditions
The routine aviation weather report indicated winds from 230 degrees at 25 knots, gusting to 31 knots. The pilot estimated the gust of wind encountered during the landing roll at 40 knots.