Incident Overview
A Cessna 180H, registration N2429F, was landing on runway 19 following the arrival of a Cessna 172M, N80202. According to the pilot of the Cessna 180, during the approach, the wind socks at both ends of the runway were observed swinging in multiple directions, and light to moderate turbulence was encountered. The pilot reported that after a slight bounce during touchdown, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind, causing it to swerve off the runway. Subsequently, the Cessna 180 collided with the right wing of the Cessna 172, which had landed earlier.
Pilot Reports
The pilot of the Cessna 172 stated that his passengers and baggage had already been unloaded, and he was waiting on the taxiway for the other aircraft to land and clear the runway. The Cessna 180 pilot estimated the winds as primarily from the north at approximately 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. Weather observation at Bellingham, Washington, at 1148 hours recorded winds from 040 degrees at 12 knots.
Aircraft Damage
Both aircraft sustained damage. The Cessna 180H veered off the runway and collided with the Cessna 172M, resulting in impact damage to the right wing of the Cessna 172.
Ground Operations
At the time of the incident, the Cessna 172 was stationary on the taxiway, having completed its landing and unloading. The Cessna 180 was in the final stages of its landing rollout when the loss of directional control occurred.
Weather Conditions
The Cessna 180 pilot described variable wind conditions, with wind socks indicating shifting directions and light to moderate turbulence. The reported wind speeds were 15 knots gusting to 20 knots from the north, while the official observation at Bellingham showed wind from 040 degrees at 12 knots.