Accident Overview
On March 23, 2019, at about 1730 central daylight time, a Cessna 185 airplane registered as N2744Q sustained substantial damage during a ground loop on a taxiway at an airport near Lafayette, Louisiana. The flight, operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, was occupied by the pilot and a pilot-rated passenger, both of whom were not injured.
Pilot Report
The pilot, who was also the owner of the airplane, reported that the flight proceeded without incident. The landing touchdown and rollout were described as "smooth" until he began to turn the airplane from the runway onto the taxiway. At that moment, the right brake "grabbed very hard," causing the airplane to ground loop. The event resulted in substantial damage to the left aileron and left wing structure.
Postaccident Investigation
After the accident, an examination of the brakes was conducted. The inspection revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have prevented normal brake operation.
Aircraft and Operational Context
The Cessna 185 is a high-wing, single-engine aircraft commonly used for personal and utility flights. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules during daylight hours. No issues with the aircraft's performance prior to the ground loop were reported by the pilot.