Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll with a crosswind the airplane drifted to the left. He further reported that his control inputs to correct created a "swerve," which resulted in a ground loop to the right on the runway. During the ground loop, the left wing was substantially damaged after an impact with the runway.
An automated weather observing system near the time of the accident at the airport recorded the wind at 340 degrees true at 8 knots. The pilot reported he landed on runway 30.
The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA446 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 21, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Caldwell, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Caldwell Industrial (EUL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185
- N-number
- N4477R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.