No fatalities

19 Oct 2015: CESSNA 180H H — Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls, SD, United States

On 19 Oct 2015, a CESSNA 180H H was involved in an aviation accident near Sioux Falls, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land with a 20 knot direct cross wind, which resulted in a loss of directional control and the right wing impacting terrain and a 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

A pilot landing on runway 33 in a 20-knot direct crosswind reported applying extreme left aileron, but a gust lifted the left wing, causing a ground loop and substantial damage to the right aileron.

Incident Details

A single-engine airplane was landing on runway 33 at an airport where the reported wind was 240 degrees at 20 knots, as per information Papa received by the pilot. The pilot realized that this condition resulted in a direct crosswind of 20 knots.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that during the crosswind landing, he applied extreme left aileron input to counteract the crosswind. Upon touchdown, a wind gust lifted the left wing, and despite the pilot's aileron inputs, he was unable to keep the wing down. This led to the right wing contacting the runway surface, and the airplane subsequently ground looped.

Post-Event Findings

The pilot stated there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine. The incident resulted in substantial damage specifically to the right aileron.

Manufacturer Crosswind Data

The manufacturer of the involved airplane noted that its Owner's Manual does not list a demonstrated maximum crosswind component. However, a similar make and model aircraft's Pilot Operating Handbook states a maximum demonstrated crosswind component of 12 knots.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedCapability exceeded

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation