Casualties unknown

2007-05-18: Cessna A185F (N8045Q) — Renton, WA

Renton, WA, US

On May 18, 2007, a Cessna A185F (registration N8045Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Renton, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout, 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 practicing stop-and-go landings experienced a ground loop on the fourth landing, resulting in minor damage to the right wing tip and horizontal stabilizer.

What happened

The pilot was conducting practice stop-and-go landings at an airport. After successfully completing three landings, he attempted a fourth. During the rollout of this fourth landing, the aircraft began to pull sharply to the right. The pilot applied slight left brake pressure to counteract the deviation, which initially appeared to halt the abrupt pivot.

However, moments later, the aircraft ground looped to the left. Upon inspection following the incident, damage was found on the airframe. Specifically, the right wing tip and the right horizontal stabilizer were scraped and bent due to contact with the ground surface during the uncontrolled turn.

The investigation

Examination of the aircraft revealed that the right wing tip and right horizontal stabilizer sustained physical damage consistent with a ground loop event. No other structural anomalies were noted in the provided narrative.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout, 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/20070616X00743. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.