Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA231

Kenai, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N2144Z

CESSNA 180

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during landing and as the tailwheel was settling on the runway, there was an "apparent change in wind direction," and the airplane veered left. He attempted to correct by applying right rudder and brake, but the airplane continued off the left side of the runway and ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, the right horizontal stabilizer, and the 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 at the airport, about the time of the accident, reported that the was wind from 300° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 2L.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that during landing as the tailwheel was settling on the runway, there was an "apparent change in wind direction" and the airplane veered left. He attempted to apply correction with right rudder and right brake, but the airplane continued off the left side of the runway and ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, the right horizontal stabilizer and the elevator. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system on the accident airport, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 300° at 9 knots. The pilot landed on runway 2L.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with crosswind conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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