Cessna 180H ground loop during landing

Casualties unknown • San Carlos, CA, US

A pilot lost control of a Cessna 180H during the landing phase, resulting in a ground loop after the aircraft touched down with an uncorrected yaw.

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 by applying left rudder input; however, the aircraft made contact with the runway before the rudder input could stabilize the yaw angle.

Upon the main wheels touching the runway, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently entered a ground loop. There were no injuries reported in the accident.

Findings

An examination of the pilot's flight records indicated that the pilot had less than 30 hours of flight time specifically in the Cessna 180H and possessed less than 50 hours of total experience operating tailwheel aircraft.

Probable cause

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

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-08-21 Cessna 180H accident near San Carlos, CA?

A pilot lost control of a Cessna 180H during the landing phase, resulting in a ground loop after the aircraft touched down with an uncorrected yaw.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-08-21 involved a Cessna 180H, registration N2790X, 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 experience in tailwheel aircraft.

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.

Loading the flight search…