Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA339

Belmar, NJ, USA

Aircraft #1

N71MH

CESSNA 180

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing and as the left main landing gear (MLG) touched down, the airplane encountered a wind gust and then veered "abruptly" left. He added that, as the right MLG touched down, the airplane "began skidding to the left," and the right MLG collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest on the left side of the runway and nosed down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. 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 reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 32.

Factual Information

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing as the left main gear touched down, a wind gust veered the airplane "abruptly" to the left. He added that as the right gear touched down, the airplane "began skidding to the left", and the right main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest on the left side of the runway, nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. 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 on the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot landed on runway 32.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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