On February 23, 1992, a Cessna 180 (registration N1680C) operated by Donald Silsbee was involved in an aviation accident near Quilcene, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a balked landing on a short runway with a tailwind and gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in an impact with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna 180 pilot lost directional control after aborting a landing on a short private airstrip due to wind gusts, resulting in a fatal crash into trees.
What happened
The pilot of a Cessna 180 initiated an approach to land at a private airstrip with a runway length of approximately 1,300 feet. The decision was made to execute the landing with a tailwind component. Shortly after touchdown, a gust of wind caused the aircraft to deviate from the runway centerline, making it difficult for the pilot to maintain directional alignment.
In response to this loss of control, the pilot decided to abort the landing and apply full power to become airborne again. However, once the aircraft lifted off, the pilot was unable to regain or maintain directional control. The aircraft subsequently departed the immediate vicinity of the airstrip and impacted a line of trees.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a balked landing on a short runway with a tailwind and gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in an impact with trees.
What happened in the 23 Feb 1992 Cessna 180 accident near Quilcene, WA?
A Cessna 180 pilot lost directional control after aborting a landing on a short private airstrip due to wind gusts, resulting in a fatal crash into trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Feb 1992 involved a Cessna 180, registration N1680C, operated by Donald Silsbee, at Quilcene, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a balked landing on a short runway with a tailwind and gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in an impact with trees.
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