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Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Aircraft Rolls Over After Wind Shift During Rollout (N7783A)

Fulton, NY, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jun 1996 Cessna 180 accident near Fulton, NY?

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 aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jun 1996 involved a Cessna 180, registration N7783A, at Fulton, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06089. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.