On June 15, 1996, a Cessna 180 (registration N7783A) was involved in an aviation accident near Fulton, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during rollout due to a tailwheel configuration and lack of wheel lock, exacerbated by a sudden wind shift. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A taildragger aircraft rolled over after a sudden wind shift lifted its left wing during rollout on runway 33, striking the ground with the right wing and propeller.
What happened
The pilot reported that while conducting rollout on runway 33 following a landing, the wind direction shifted unexpectedly. This change in wind conditions caused the left wing of the aircraft to lift upward. As the left side rose, the right wing struck the ground, which subsequently led to contact with the propeller.
The pilot stated that maintaining control of the airplane proved difficult due to its tailwheel configuration and the absence of a wheel lock mechanism. The pilot noted that the accident might have been avoided if the aircraft had been turned into the wind during the rollout phase.
Findings
Sudden wind shift during rollout
Lack of wheel lock on taildragger
Inability to maintain directional control
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during rollout due to a tailwheel configuration and lack of wheel lock, exacerbated by a sudden wind shift.