Aviation Accident Summary WPR12CA352

Upland, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N2927K

CESSNA 180

Analysis

The pilot reported that after touching down the airplane tracked the centerline of the runway but eventually began to veer to the right. After correcting back to the centerline, a wind gust from the right caused the right wing to lift, which resulted in the airplane tracking to the left and eventually exiting the left side of the runway. With a fence now directly in the path and a collision imminent, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power and retracting the flaps from 40 degrees to 10 degrees. The pilot added that even though the airplane was airborne, he was unable to climb over the fence. The airplane impacted the top of the fence with its main landing gear and tailwheel before coming to rest wedged between a rock pile and the fence; it sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that after touching down the airplane tracked the centerline of the runway but eventually began to track to the right. After correcting left and back to the centerline the airplane tracked straight. Subsequently, a wind gust from the right caused the right wing to lift, which resulted in the airplane tracking to the left and eventually exiting the left side of the runway. With a fence now directly in his path and an impending collision imminent, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power and retracting the flaps from 40 degrees to 10 degrees. The pilot added that even though the airplane was now airborne, he was unable to climb over the fence. The airplane impacted the top of the fence with its main landing gear and tail wheel before coming to rest wedged between a rock pile and the fence. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports