1997-09-30: Cessna 180 — King Salmon, AK

Casualties unknown • King Salmon, AK, US

Probable cause

The distorted/misaligned main landing gear, and an improper maintenance repair of the main landing gear. A factor associated with the accident was rough and uneven terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane departed a rough, rocky, gravel bar. During the subsequent landing roll at the pilot's gravel strip, the plane veered to the right. As the plane decelerated, full left rudder and brake input by the pilot did not maintain directional control. The airplane departed the right side of the strip, the left main landing gear separated, and the airplane nosed over. Inspection revealed that the right main landing gear was canted ten degrees to the right, and had been installed using 'Cherry Max' rivets instead of the required solid rivets.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-09-30 Cessna 180 accident near King Salmon, AK?

The airplane departed a rough, rocky, gravel bar. During the subsequent landing roll at the pilot's gravel strip, the plane veered to the right. As the plane decelerated, full left rudder and brake input by the pilot did not maintain directional control. The airplane departed the right side of the strip, the left…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-09-30 involved a Cessna 180, registration N4900A, at King Salmon, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The distorted/misaligned main landing gear, and an improper maintenance repair of the main landing gear. A factor associated with the accident was rough and uneven terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08777. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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