N185FF

Substantial
None

CESSNA A185S/N: 18503665

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA313
Location
Clovis, NM
Event ID
20170601X43457
Coordinates
34.426944, -103.079444
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
18503665
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1978
Model / ICAO
A185C185
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
6
FAA Model
A185F

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SCHMITZ ARLAN
Address
164 AIRPORT RD
City
PORTALES
State / Zip Code
NM 88130-9108
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that while landing in gusting crosswind conditions, as the tailwheel contacted the runway, the airplane "violently yawed" to the left. He added that he immediately applied full left aileron and full right rudder control inputs, however, the airplane ground looped to the left and the right wing contacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and elevator.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system on the airport reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 150° at 11 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot landed on runway 22.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA313