Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in a left quartering headwind, which resulted in a ground loop.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The student pilot reported that, during landing, shortly after touchdown, a "crosswind lifted the left wing" and the airplane veered left. He corrected with opposite aileron, but the airplane ground looped to the left and the right landing gear collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower right section of the fuselage.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 30 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 130° at 8 knots and about 15 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 100º at 9 knots. The airplane landed on runway 16R.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA474