Event FTW96LA321

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. 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. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12