On April 21, 1997, a Cessna 180K (registration N64337) was involved in an aviation accident near Soldotna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for cross conditions and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A factor relating to the accident was: the variable/gusty/crosswind condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel airplane with tundra tires veered left during landing roll; pilot applied right rudder and brake but right wing struck ground, leading to nose over. Winds reported variable.
Incident
A pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard surface runway. The airplane was fitted with 26-inch tundra tires. During the landing roll, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and right brake in an attempt to correct the deviation, but the airplane continued to veer left. The right wing subsequently struck the ground, and the airplane nosed over.
Weather Conditions
The airport's automated weather observation system reported wind conditions as 010 degrees at 7 knots at the time of the accident. Following the accident, the pilot reported that the wind conditions varied widely between 030 and 300 degrees, with wind gusts reaching 15 knots.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Apr 1997 Cessna 180K accident near Soldotna, AK?
A tailwheel airplane with tundra tires veered left during landing roll; pilot applied right rudder and brake but right wing struck ground, leading to nose over. Winds reported variable.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Apr 1997 Cessna 180K accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Apr 1997 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N64337, at Soldotna, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's inadequate compensation for cross conditions and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A factor relating to the accident was: the variable/gusty/crosswind condition.
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