1991-12-07: Cessna 180 — Charles M. Rudnick — Bakersfield, CA

Casualties unknown • Bakersfield, CA, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE LANDING ROLL DUE TO INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING WIND CONDITIONS. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT SAID HE TOUCHED DOWN IN A WHEEL LANDING ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE WAY DOWN THE RUNWAY. HE STATED THAT A GUST OF WIND CAUGHT THE AIRCRAFT AND CAUSED IT TO BEGIN TRACKING TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT APPLIED LEFT RUDDER TO CORRECT THE DRIFT AND GET THE AIRCRAFT BACK ON THE RUNWAY CENTER LINE. THE PILOT SAID THE TAIL WHEEL'CAUGHT AND WITH THE HELP OF GUSTING CROSS WINDS, THE AIRCRAFT GROUND LOOPED ONTO THE RIGHT WING AND AILERON.'

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-12-07 Cessna 180 accident near Bakersfield, CA?

THE PILOT SAID HE TOUCHED DOWN IN A WHEEL LANDING ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE WAY DOWN THE RUNWAY. HE STATED THAT A GUST OF WIND CAUGHT THE AIRCRAFT AND CAUSED IT TO BEGIN TRACKING TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT APPLIED LEFT RUDDER TO CORRECT THE DRIFT AND GET THE AIRCRAFT BACK ON THE RUNWAY CENTER LINE. THE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-12-07 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2549K, operated by Charles M. Rudnick, at Bakersfield, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE LANDING ROLL DUE TO INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING WIND CONDITIONS. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18617. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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