Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft both during the landing and the attempted rejected landing maneuver.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, the aircraft touched down on runway 25r in a three-point attitude. The aircraft swerved to the right and he added power, which straightened the airplane's ground track. The aircraft then swerved to the left and the pilot elected to reject the landing. He stated that he added full power and the aircraft lifted off the ground. The pilot said he was unable to either climb out of ground effect or prevent the aircraft from drifting left toward a large commercial aircraft hangar. The pilot then put the aircraft back on the ground and it ground looped, damaging the wings.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 22, 1994, at 0817 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 185A, N101LL, ground looped following a loss of control while landing at the Long Beach, California, airport. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot and his one passenger were not injured. The flight originated at the Chino, California, airport on the day of the accident at 0750 as a local area personal flight. According to the pilot, the aircraft touched down on runway 25R in a three-point attitude. The aircraft swerved to the right and he added power, which straightened the airplane's ground track. The aircraft then swerved to the left and the pilot elected to reject the landing. He stated that he added full power and the aircraft lifted off the ground. The pilot said he was unable to either climb out of ground effect or prevent the aircraft from drifting left toward a large commercial aircraft hangar. The pilot then put the aircraft back on the ground and it ground looped, damaging the wings. -