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Pilot Loses Directional Control During Tailwheel Landing, Aircraft Overturns in Ditch (N1846Z)

Bullfrog, UT, US

On June 17, 1989, a Cessna 180K (registration N1846Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Bullfrog, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT FAILED TO COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS DURING THE LANDING ROLL. THE CROSSWIND WAS CONSIDERED AS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. AN UNDERLYING FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN PERFORMING CROSSWIND LANDINGS IN THE CESSNA 180. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing in a Cessna 180K, the pilot lost directional control after touching down on a gravel-covered runway. The aircraft departed the runway and overturned in a ditch. The pilot had 18 hours in type.

Accident Details

A pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped Cessna 180K on a 3,500-foot, gravel-covered asphalt runway. The wind was from the west at 5 knots. The pilot reported touching down in the first quarter of the runway and applied left aileron to correct for an apparent left crosswind. He lost directional control, and the aircraft departed the right side of the runway, overturning in a ditch parallel to the runway.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had logged a total of 18 hours in the Cessna 180K, all acquired in the previous 30-day period. Additionally, he had logged 100 hours in other tailwheel-equipped airplanes.

Aircraft Examination

The pilot reported no mechanical difficulties with the aircraft. Later examination disclosed that the left main wheel tire was blown.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jun 1989 Cessna 180K accident near Bullfrog, UT?

During a landing in a Cessna 180K, the pilot lost directional control after touching down on a gravel-covered runway. The aircraft departed the runway and overturned in a ditch. The pilot had 18 hours in type.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jun 1989 Cessna 180K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jun 1989 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N1846Z, at Bullfrog, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT FAILED TO COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS DURING THE LANDING ROLL. THE CROSSWIND WAS CONSIDERED AS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. AN UNDERLYING FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN PERFORMING CROSSWIND LANDINGS IN THE CESSNA 180.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28555. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.