1996-05-26: Cessna 180 — Grangeville, ID

Casualties unknown • Grangeville, ID, US

Probable cause

the pilot's failure to properly judge the distance and speed of the airplane during the final approach, his failure to obtain a proper touchdown point for landing, and his failure to perform a go-around, while there was sufficient runway remaining. A factor relating to the accident was: the short/wet/grassy runway condition, which led to ineffective braking.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot stated that he attempted to land on a grass airstrip that was about 1,000 feet long. He stated that the airplane touched down about mid-field, and he was unable to stop the airplane before it collided with a tree at the end of the airstrip. The left landing gear support structure was torn from the airplane, and the fuselage was damaged. The pilot stated that his approach was 'too high and hot' and he did not realize that the grass on the airstrip was wet, causing a decrease in the airplane's braking effectiveness. No preimpact mechanical malfunction was reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-05-26 Cessna 180 accident near Grangeville, ID?

The pilot stated that he attempted to land on a grass airstrip that was about 1,000 feet long. He stated that the airplane touched down about mid-field, and he was unable to stop the airplane before it collided with a tree at the end of the airstrip. The left landing gear support structure was torn from the airplane,…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-05-26 involved a Cessna 180, registration N626RP, at Grangeville, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to properly judge the distance and speed of the airplane during the final approach, his failure to obtain a proper touchdown point for landing, and his failure to perform a go-around, while there was sufficient runway remaining. A factor relating to the accident was: the short/wet/grassy runway…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05878. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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