Cessna A188 N3557Q accident near Sterling, Illinois

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's runway selection based on the wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

While landing on runway 7, the pilot lost directional control after the tailwheel touched down. The pilot continued the landing and attempted to stop the airplane. The airplane then ground-looped and departed the runway surface. During the ground loop, the right main landing gear separated and the right wing bent upward. The reported wind at the airport at the time of the accident was from 300 degrees at 13 knots. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. The airplane’s owner stated that the pilot landed on the wrong runway based on the wind conditions.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA280 for the full record.