# NTSB FTW97LA204: Cessna 180, N9408C, Olney, TX, May 27, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 27, 1997, 16:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Olney, TX
- Coordinates: 33.359233, -98.750335 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3592&lon=-98.7503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 15, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20230
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW97LA204
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20230/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA204

## Probable cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind, which resulted in a loss of dirctional control, a ground loop, and a collapsed main gear.  The crosswind was a related factor.

## 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)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

According to the pilot, there was a right quartering crosswind present during the landing. After an initial touchdown on the right main wheel, the airplane became airborne again, and its nose turned into the wind. The tailwheel equipped airplane then touched down 'sideways' and 'ground-looped to the right.'  The left main gear collapsed, and the left wing tip contacted the ground.

## Factual narrative

On May 27, 1997, at 1600 central daylight time, a Cessna 180 airplane, N9408C, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during landing at the Olney Municipal Airport, Olney, Texas.   The private pilot and his two passengers were not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal cross country flight that originated in Sulphur Springs, Texas, at 1400.

During a telephone interview conducted by the investigator-in-charge and on the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot stated that there was a right quartering crosswind present during the landing on runway 31.  He further stated that after an initial touchdown on the right main wheel, the airplane became airborne again, and its nose turned into the wind.  The tailwheel equipped airplane then touched down "sideways" and "ground-looped to the right."  The left main wheel separated, and the left wing tip contacted the ground.

According to the FAA inspector, the fuselage was twisted, and the left wing, horizontal stabilizer and elevator sustained structural damage.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9408C (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 180
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31806
- Engines: Continental O-470-J 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Will D. Crockett
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 5, 1997
- Departed: SLR, SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX
- Destination: ONY
- Airport: ONY, Olney Municipal, runway 31, 5,093 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 115 total, 110 in this make and model, 96 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

## 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 19970527012019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970527012019A), May 27, 1997: Cessna 180, Olney, TX, Substantial damage. Made hard side load landing. Collapsed left wheel and gear. Ground looped. (-23) on may 27, 1997, at approximately 4:00 pm CDT, a Cessna, CE-180-180, N9408C,…

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.

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