Cessna 180H ground loop during landing

Casualties unknown • San Carlos, CA, US

A pilot experienced a loss of control resulting in a ground loop while attempting to land a Cessna 180H.

What happened

During the landing phase, the Cessna 180H was in a three-point landing flare attitude just above the runway when the nose began to yaw to the right. The pilot attempted to correct this yaw with left rudder input; however, the aircraft made contact with the runway before the input could successfully correct the yaw angle. Once the main wheels touched the runway, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, resulting in a ground loop.

Findings

An examination of the pilot's flight records indicated limited experience with this specific aircraft type and tailwheel operations. The pilot had fewer than 30 hours of flight time in the Cessna 180H and possessed less than 50 hours of total tailwheel flight experience.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to correct a rightward nose yaw with rudder input prior to touchdown, combined with limited tailwheel flight experience.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-03-26 Cessna 180H accident near San Carlos, CA?

A pilot experienced a loss of control resulting in a ground loop while attempting to land a Cessna 180H.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-03-26 involved a Cessna 180H, registration N2790X, operated by Hoyle, James I., at San Carlos, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to correct a rightward nose yaw with rudder input prior to touchdown, combined with limited tailwheel flight experience.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22751. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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