CESSNA 180
Bethel, ME — April 28, 2013
Event Information
| Date | April 28, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA13CA216 |
| Event ID | 20130428X40116 |
| Location | Bethel, ME |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.42528, -70.81000 |
| Airport | Bethel Regional Airport |
| 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 |
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, he applied left aileron to his tailwheel-equipped airplane on the final approach leg to counteract a left crosswind. The crosswind then ceased, at which point the pilot backed off the aileron input. As the airplane was touching down, it encountered another crosswind and the pilot again applied left aileron to counteract it; however, the left wing and left main landing gear became airborne and the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The pilot then “rode” the right brake and the airplane continued to the right until the left wing came down and the left main landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to left wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation. Winds, recorded at a nearby airport about the time of the accident, were variable at 5 knots.
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.