What happened
The accident occurred at Bellingham International Airport in Washington. A Cessna 180H, registration N2429F, was attempting to land on runway 19. Shortly before the incident, a Cessna 172M, registration N80202, had landed on the same runway.
The pilot of the Cessna 180H reported that during his arrival, the windsocks at both ends of the runway were swinging in various directions, indicating unstable wind conditions. He noted light to moderate turbulence throughout the approach. After a slight bounce upon touchdown, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind which caused it to swerve off the runway.
The Cessna 172M pilot stated that his passengers and baggage had already been unloaded. He was waiting on the taxiway for the other aircraft to land and clear the runway when the collision occurred. The Cessna 180H subsequently collided with the right wing of the stationary Cessna 172M.
The investigation
The pilot of the Cessna 180H estimated that the winds were primarily from the north at approximately 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. Official weather data recorded at Bellingham at 1148 indicated winds from 040 degrees at 12 knots.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the turbulence and wind gusts encountered during landing. The unstable wind conditions caused the aircraft to lose directional control after touchdown, leading to the runway excursion and subsequent collision with another aircraft.