# NTSB FTW98LA324: Cessna A188B, N21827, Erie, CO, July 20, 1998

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 20, 1998, 11:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Erie, CO
- Coordinates: 40.020694, -105.040458 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0207&lon=-105.0405&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 11, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 43176
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW98LA324
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/43176/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA324

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane.  A factor was a crosswind gust.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve

## Analysis

The pilot landed on runway 33.  When the airplane was approximately midfield, 'a gust of wind overcame my ability to keep the airplane in center of runway,' and 'caused me to yaw to the right.'  The wind gust was encountered just as the tail wheel was about to touch down, 'when rudder is least effective.'  The airplane ground looped, shearing the attach bolts on the left main landing gear and causing it to collapse.  The right wing also sustained damage.  Reported winds were from 010 degrees at 5 knots.

## Factual narrative

On July 20, 1998, approximately 1130 mountain daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N21827, was substantially damaged when it ground looped during the landing roll at Tri-Country Airport, Erie, Colorado.  The commercial pilot, the sole occupant onboard, was not injured.  The aircraft was being operated by its owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.  The flight originated approximately 1100.

According to the pilot's accident report, he landed on runway 33.  When the airplane was approximately midfield, "a gust of wind overcame my ability to keep the airplane in center of runway," and "caused me to yaw to the right."  The wind gust was encountered just as the tail wheel was about to touch down, "when rudder is least effective."  The airplane ground looped, shearing the attach bolts on the left main landing gear and causing it to collapse.  The right wing also sustained damage.  Reported winds were from 010 degrees at 5 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N21827](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N21827), registered now, S/N 18801063, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna A188B
- Registry model: [Cessna A188B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a188b) (registry code 2073005) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18801063
- Airframe hours: 3750
- Engines: Continental IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thomas A. Linn
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 24, 1998, 7 hours before
- Departed: 48V
- Destination: 48V
- Airport: 48V, Tri-County, runway 33, 4,700 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 917 total, 80 in this make and model, 837 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BJC, 7 nm away

## 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 19980720016779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980720016779A), Jul 20, 1998: Cessna A188B, Erie, CO, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft was caught by a gusting right crosswind during landing rollout, full aileron and rudder was not sufficient to prevent the ground loop.

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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