CESSNA 180

Full Narrative

On April 21, 2008, about 1130 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire-equipped Cessna 180 airplane, N3043E, sustained substantial damage following a loss of control during the landing roll at the Kodiak Airport, Kodiak, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country business flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The private certificated pilot, and the two passengers, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from a private airstrip at Kasilof, Alaska, about 0930.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on April 21, the pilot reported that he was landing on the asphalt surface of runway 25, and as the tailwheel touched down, it began to wobble. The pilot said he applied the brakes, but the left brake was ineffective, and the airplane ground-looped to the right. The left main landing gear axle and the left main wheel, separated from the landing gear strut. The airplane received damage to the left main gear and the firewall.

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) submitted by the pilot, he reported that the airplane previously had a malfunction of the left brake, but he did not specify the date of the previous problem. He said he serviced the brake system with hydraulic fluid, which resolved the problem, and indicated that he did not find a leak in the brake system.

Following the accident, the airplane was not inspected by NTSB or FAA personnel.