Casualties unknown

Light aircraft flips onto its back after excessive braking during landing (N9491C)

Saint Joseph, LA, US

On August 23, 1990, a Cessna 180 (registration N9491C) operated by Doyle, Don W. was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Joseph, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive braking during landing, which caused the aircraft to flip onto its back while weather-vaning in gusty crosswind conditions. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A light airplane flipped onto its back following a landing on runway 16 when the pilot applied excessive brakes while the aircraft was weather-vaning in gusty crosswind conditions.

What happened

The pilot reported that the aircraft was attempting to land on runway 16. At the time of the event, the wind was blowing from 230 degrees at approximately 9 knots, with gusts reaching up to 15 knots.

During the touchdown phase, as the tail section of the airplane settled onto the runway, the right wing lifted upward. This caused the aircraft to weather-vane sharply. The pilot applied excessive braking during this maneuver, which resulted in the aircraft flipping over onto its back. The left wing struck the ground first, followed immediately by the nose of the aircraft.

Findings

The sequence of events indicates that excessive braking while the aircraft was unstable and weather-vaning contributed significantly to the rollover. The crosswind conditions likely complicated directional control during the critical touchdown phase.

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive braking during landing, which caused the aircraft to flip onto its back while weather-vaning in gusty crosswind conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Aug 1990 Cessna 180 accident near Saint Joseph, LA?

A light airplane flipped onto its back following a landing on runway 16 when the pilot applied excessive brakes while the aircraft was weather-vaning in gusty crosswind conditions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Aug 1990 involved a Cessna 180, registration N9491C, operated by Doyle, Don W., at Saint Joseph, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's excessive braking during landing, which caused the aircraft to flip onto its back while weather-vaning in gusty crosswind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24016. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.