Accident Overview
On September 3, 2010, at 1030 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna T188C, registration N9980J, ground looped during landing at Craigmont, Idaho. The airplane was being operated by CJA Aviation under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 for aerial application. The commercial pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
Flight Details
The local aerial application flight had departed Craigmont at about 0930. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he was returning to his home base after completing his third aerial application flight of the day. The landing appeared normal until the tail wheel touched the ground and began to shimmy. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane veered toward the side of the runway. When the tail wheel contacted the grass, the airplane ground looped, and the right wing sustained substantial damage upon contacting the ground.
The pilot stated that he had felt a similar shimmy on one previous occasion.
Inspection
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airframe and did not detect any anomalies.