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Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Ground Loop During Landing in Tailwheel Aircraft (N2790X)

San Carlos, CA, US

On August 21, 1990, a Cessna 180H (registration N2790X) was involved in an aviation accident near San Carlos, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN TAILWHEEL AIRCRAFT. 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

A pilot reported a ground loop after a landing flare in a Cessna 180H. The aircraft yawed right during flare; left rudder input did not correct before touchdown. The pilot had less than 30 hours in type and 50 hours total tailwheel time.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot, the aircraft was in a three-point landing flare attitude just above the runway when the nose began to yaw to the right. The pilot applied a left rudder input to correct the yaw, but the aircraft touched down before the rudder input corrected the yaw angle.

Loss of Control

After the main wheels touched the runway, the pilot reported losing control of the aircraft, which resulted in a ground loop.

Pilot Experience

Examination of the pilot's reported flight time revealed that he had less than 30 hours of time in the Cessna 180H aircraft, and less than 50 hours of total tailwheel flight experience.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Aug 1990 Cessna 180H accident near San Carlos, CA?

A pilot reported a ground loop after a landing flare in a Cessna 180H. The aircraft yawed right during flare; left rudder input did not correct before touchdown. The pilot had less than 30 hours in type and 50 hours total tailwheel time.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Aug 1990 involved a Cessna 180H, registration N2790X, at San Carlos, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN TAILWHEEL AIRCRAFT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24057. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.