Aircraft ground loop and inversion following landing

Casualties unknown • Hailey, ID, US

A pilot experienced a wing strike and aircraft inversion while taxiing on the runway after landing due to a crosswind gust.

What happened

After completing the landing, the pilot was taxiing on the runway when they relaxed back pressure on the elevator. During this maneuver, a crosswind gust caused the left wing of the aircraft to lift. This resulted in the aircraft veering to the left, which further increased the lift on the left wing and caused the right wing to strike the ground.

The aircraft subsequently nosed over and came to rest on its left side in an inverted position, oriented toward a southwest heading. At 12:14, local weather observations reported winds from 210 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts reaching 16 knots.

Findings

  • The pilot's reduction of back pressure on the elevator during taxiing.
  • A crosswind gust that caused the left wing to lift and the aircraft to veer.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to relax back pressure on the elevator while taxiing, combined with a crosswind gust, leading to a wing strike and subsequent nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-07-30 Cessna 180H accident near Hailey, ID?

A pilot experienced a wing strike and aircraft inversion while taxiing on the runway after landing due to a crosswind gust.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-07-30 involved a Cessna 180H, registration N89SJ, operated by Michael J. Kraynick, at Hailey, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to relax back pressure on the elevator while taxiing, combined with a crosswind gust, leading to a wing strike and subsequent nose-over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060817X01204. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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