Cessna 180
Cut Bank, MT — July 9, 2018
Event Information
| Date | July 9, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA404 |
| Event ID | 20180709X65334 |
| Location | Cut Bank, MT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 48.60833, -112.37611 |
| Airport | CUT BANK INTL |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Cessna |
| Model | 180 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he circled the airport to check the wind direction and speed, and then he initiated a final approach about 70 knots with 3 notches of flaps.
He reported that the airplane encountered a wind gust prior to initiating the landing flare. Upon touchdown of the wheel landing the airplane bounced and he applied forward yoke pressure.
The airplane began to drift to the right of the runway center line during the landing roll and he applied left rudder and left aileron to counter the drift, but when the tailwheel touched down, the airplane veered to the left.
He applied right rudder and right brake, but the right main landing gear collapsed, the left wing lifted, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane exited the left side of the runway and it came to rest in the grass safety area.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to right wing spar.
The pilot reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from the west-southwest, about 7 knots. The pilot landed on runway 32.
The METAR at the accident airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was calm, and the skies were clear.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.