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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 8, 2012 · Cessna A188 · N3557Q

Sterling, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 8, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sterling, IL
Aircraft
Cessna A188
Tail Number
N3557Q
Operator
Woodley Craig S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA280

While landing on runway 7, the pilot lost directional control after the tailwheel touched down. The pilot continued the landing and attempted to stop the airplane. The airplane then ground-looped and departed the runway surface. During the ground loop, the right main landing gear separated and the right wing bent upward. The reported wind at the airport at the time of the accident was from 300 degrees at 13 knots. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. The airplane’s owner stated that the pilot landed on the wrong runway based on the wind conditions.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's runway selection based on the wind conditions.

Full Narrative

While landing on runway 7, the pilot lost directional control after the tail wheel touched down. The pilot continued the landing and attempted to stop the airplane. The airplane then ground looped and departed the runway surface. During the ground loop, the right main landing gear separated and the right wing bent upward. The airport reported the wind at the time of the accident from 300 degrees at 13 knots. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. The airplane owner stated his pilot landed on the wrong runway based on the wind conditions.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 CDT
Nearest AirportWhiteside County Airport (0nm)
Runway07
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A188
Tail NumberN3557Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWoodley Craig S
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO 520 SERIES · Reciprocating · 285
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 46
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time15:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data