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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 28, 1996 · Cessna 188A · N1556M

Decatur, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 28, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Decatur, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 188A
Tail Number
N1556M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA321

After towing and releasing a glider, the pilot approached the 3,200 foot grass airstrip to land on a east-northeast direction. The pilot stated that while attempting to flare for a three-point landing, the airplane bounced and directional control was lost resulting in a ground loop. The pilot added that the winds had shifted considerably from the time he departed the airstrip, and a left cross prevailed when he initiated the landing approach. The winds at the time of the accident were estimated from the north at 10 knots, gusting to 15.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor was the prevailing crosswind.

Full Narrative

On July 28, 1996, at 1500 central daylight time, a Cessna 188A, N1556M, was substantially damaged while landing near Decatur, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by the North Texas Soaring Club of Decatur, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the glider towing flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from the same private airstrip at approximately 1445. After towing and releasing a glider, the airplane approached the 3,200 foot grass airstrip to land on a east-northeast direction. The pilot stated that while attempting to flare for a three point landing, the airplane bounced and directional control was lost. During the subsequent ground loop, the left main landing gear collapsed resulting in structural damage to the left wing. The pilot added that the winds had shifted considerably from the time he departed the airstrip, and a left cross wind prevailed when he returned to land. The winds at the time of the accident were estimated from the north at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 188A
Tail NumberN1556M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D26 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data