Casualties unknown

1995-05-25: Cessna 180D (N8611X) — Eveleth, MN

Eveleth, MN, US

On May 25, 1995, a Cessna 180D (registration N8611X) was involved in an aviation accident near Eveleth, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper setting of the flaps to the 30 degree position and an excessive descent rate during the landing. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during final approach, he believed flaps were set to 20 degrees but later discovered they were at 30 degrees, leading to a stall warning and a hard landing with impact to runway and bushes.

Accident Sequence

During the landing approach, the pilot reported that he had configured the airplane with what he believed was 20 degrees of flaps. While turning onto final approach, he maintained an airspeed of 80 knots and set the power to 15 inches of manifold pressure. As the airplane flew over trees before the runway threshold, the stall warning indicator activated. The pilot responded by applying full power, but the airplane subsequently impacted the runway surface. The impact caused the airplane to bounce, and during the bounce, the right wing struck bushes alongside the runway.

Post-Accident Findings

Following the accident, the pilot examined the airplane and discovered that the flaps were actually in the 30-degree position. He stated that he had never landed the airplane in this configuration before.

Pilot Statement

In his written statement, the pilot provided the account of the events, detailing his flap setting belief, airspeed, power setting, and the unexpected activation of the stall warning. He also noted the discovery of the flap misconfiguration after the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03438. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.