Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing in gusting crosswind conditions, as the tailwheel contacted the runway, the airplane "violently yawed" to the left. He added that he immediately applied full left aileron and full right rudder control inputs; however, the airplane ground looped to the left, and the right wing contacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and elevator.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 150° at 11 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot landed on runway 22.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA313 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 31, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Clovis, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Clovis Muni (CVN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185
- N-number
- N185FF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.