Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On July 20, 1998, approximately 1130 mountain daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N21827, was substantially damaged when it ground looped during the landing roll at Tri-Country Airport, Erie, Colorado. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant onboard, was not injured. The aircraft was being operated by its owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated approximately 1100.

According to the pilot's accident report, he landed on runway 33. When the airplane was approximately midfield, "a gust of wind overcame my ability to keep the airplane in center of runway," and "caused me to yaw to the right." The wind gust was encountered just as the tail wheel was about to touch down, "when rudder is least effective." The airplane ground looped, shearing the attach bolts on the left main landing gear and causing it to collapse. The right wing also sustained damage. Reported winds were from 010 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A factor was a crosswind gust.