FTW98LA230

Factual narrative

On May 15, 1998, at 1554 central daylight time, a Cessna 180 tail wheel equipped airplane, N4775B, owned and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during the landing roll at the Abilene Regional Airport, Abilene, Texas. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from Lubbock, Texas, about 1 hour 09 minutes prior to the accident. The pilot reported that during the approach for landing to Runway 35L, at about 300 feet, he noticed "left crosswind gusts. After normal main wheel contact (wheel landing) [the] aircraft started scooting right while trying to weathervane to the left." Subsequently, the aircraft "ground looped." On the enclosed form 6120.1/2, the pilot reported that he had accumulated a total of 471 flight hours, of which 52 were in the accident airplane. Examination of the aircraft by the FAA inspector revealed that the firewall was buckled, and the right main landing gear was damaged. At 1553, the reported wind condition at the Abilene Regional Airport was from 290 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 17 knots. During the landing roll on runway 35L, the aircraft ground looped. The pilot reported that during the approach, at about 300 feet, he noticed 'left crosswind gusts.' After normal main wheel contact (wheel landing) the 'aircraft started scooting right while trying to weathervane to the left.' The reported wind condition at the time of the accident was from 290 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 17 knots. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12