Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On October 26, 2003, at approximately 1400 mountain standard time, a Cessna 180J, N9794G, was substantially damaged when it ground looped during landing roll on runway 26 (8,000 feet by 100 feet, dry asphalt) at the Front Range Airport, (FTG) Watkins, Colorado. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant on board the airplane, was not injured. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The cross-country flight originated at Montrose, Colorado, at 1200, and was en route to FTG.

In his written statement, the pilot said he entered the traffic pattern for runway 26. He said his approach was normal and that he had 10 to 15 degrees of right crab to keep the airplane aligned with the runway centerline. The pilot said he touched down "on the center line at normal speeds for a 3-point landing." The pilot said, "After flap retraction and brief braking, I lost directional control." The pilot said he was too slow to make a go-around.

An examination of the airplane showed the left wing tip broken aft, and the outboard portion of the left wing and the left aileron bent aft and upward. The left main landing gear leg was bent aft. The forward fuselage showed bends and skin wrinkles. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the engine, engine controls, and other airplane systems showed no anomalies.

At 1353, the reported wind conditions at FTG were 340 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in the ground loop. Factors contributing to the accident were the crosswind and the gusts.