No fatalities

19 Oct 2008: CESSNA 180 — Denton, TX

Denton, TX, United States

On 19 Oct 2008, a CESSNA 180 was involved in an aviation accident near Denton, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control and subsequent "ground-loop.". This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During early morning proficiency landings, the pilot of a single-engine tailwheel airplane reported that the wing lifted, causing a loss of directional control and a ground loop, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest inverted on the runway. No mechanical issues were noted.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while conducting proficiency landings in the early morning hours, the wing of a single-engine tailwheel-equipped airplane began to lift during one landing. The pilot was unable to regain directional control, and the airplane ground-looped before coming to rest inverted on the runway.

Pilot Account

In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to perform proficiency landings. During one such landing, the wing lifted unexpectedly, and the pilot lost the ability to control the airplane's direction. The subsequent ground loop resulted in the airplane flipping over and resting inverted on the runway surface.

Mechanical Status

The pilot further reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to or during the incident. All systems were functioning normally, and no anomalies were noted in the aircraft's performance aside from the loss of control.

Outcome

The airplane came to rest inverted on the runway following the ground loop. The incident occurred during the early morning hours on an unspecified runway. No other aircraft were involved.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot