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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Departs Runway and Noses Over Following Touchdown (N288LS)

Anchorage, AK, US

On February 10, 1994, a Cessna 180A (registration N288LS) operated by Mears, Willard A. was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE LANDING ROLLOUT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE IN THE AIRPLANE. 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

Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft veered to the right before corrective action caused it to cross the left runway edge and nose over. The pilot had applied extra power to prevent shock cooling the new engine.

What happened

The pilot reported carrying additional power during the landing phase specifically to prevent shock cooling the airplane's new engine. According to the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS), winds were from 230 degrees at 4 knots. Shortly after touchdown, the plane began to veer to the right. Corrective action was applied and the aircraft veered to the left, departed the left side of the runway, and nosed over.

The investigation

The pilot reported carrying additional power during the landing phase specifically to prevent shock cooling the airplane's new engine. According to the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS), winds were from 230 degrees at 4 knots. Shortly after touchdown, the plane began to veer to the right. Corrective action was applied and the aircraft veered to the left, departed the left side of the runway, and nosed over.

Findings

The pilot reported carrying additional power during the landing phase specifically to prevent shock cooling the airplane's new engine. According to the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS), winds were from 230 degrees at 4 knots. Shortly after touchdown, the plane began to veer to the right. Corrective action was applied and the aircraft veered to the left, departed the left side of the runway, and nosed over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Feb 1994 Cessna 180A accident near Anchorage, AK?

Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft veered to the right before corrective action caused it to cross the left runway edge and nose over. The pilot had applied extra power to prevent shock cooling the new engine.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Feb 1994 involved a Cessna 180A, registration N288LS, operated by Mears, Willard A., at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE LANDING ROLLOUT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE IN THE AIRPLANE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00691. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.