# NTSB FTW96LA321: Cessna 188A, N1556M, Decatur, TX, July 28, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 28, 1996, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC) - Place: Decatur, TX - Coordinates: 33.2308, -97.590888 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2308&lon=-97.5909&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 24, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19924 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA321 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19924/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA321 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor was the prevailing crosswind. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command - Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown - landing gear,main gear - overload ## Analysis 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. ## Factual 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. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1556M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1556M), registered now, S/N 18800656, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 188A - Registry model: [Cessna A188A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a188a) (registry code 2073008) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18800656 - Airframe hours: 4988 - Engines: Continental IO-520-D26 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 91 - Registered owner: North Texas Soaring - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 20, 1996, 7 hours before - Departed: NONE - Airport: NONE ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; flight instructor, commercial, flight engineer, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 10,000 total, 1 in this make and model, 6,500 as pilot in command, 140 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 350° at 10 knots, gusting 15 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 99 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19960728020509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960728020509A), Jul 28, 1996: Cessna A188A, Decatur, TX, Substantial damage. Landing after glider tow bounced lost control and ground looped. Blamed crosswind. Low time in tail dragger a factor (-23) pilot landing at Private airstrip,… ## Other investigations on N1556M (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB MKC73DCQ28](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC73DCQ28), May 2, 1973: Cessna 188 (N1556M), Mccune, KS, destroyed From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.