FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Tail Wheel Shimmy Precedes Runway Excursion During Wheel Landing (N7527K)

Chama, NM, US

On October 16, 1997, a Cessna 180J (registration N7527K) was involved in an aviation accident near Chama, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during its landing roll. Encounter with an embankment (dirt bank) was a related factor. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a wheel landing with a left quartering headwind, the tail wheel began to shimmy upon touchdown, leading to directional control loss. The airplane struck an embankment and spun, sustaining damage to the landing gear, right wing, and left elevator.

Incident Details

The pilot reported making a normal approach and wheel landing to the north. The wind sock indicated a left quartering headwind at 10 knots. As soon as the tail wheel touched the runway, it began to shimmy. The airplane then veered to the left, and the pilot applied right brake to correct. Subsequently, the airplane veered to the right, struck a small embankment, and spun around to the right, coming to rest on a southerly heading.

A statement from the pilot-rated passenger corroborated the pilot's account, though the passenger added that the wind shifted suddenly at the moment the tail wheel touched the ground.

Examination

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors examined the tail wheel and found no apparent previous damage. Damage to the airplane was confined to the main landing gear, right wing, and left elevator.

Summary

The event involved a loss of directional control during the landing roll following tail wheel shimmy, with a subsequent excursion off the runway. No further causes or contributing factors were identified in the provided information.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Oct 1997 Cessna 180J accident near Chama, NM?

During a wheel landing with a left quartering headwind, the tail wheel began to shimmy upon touchdown, leading to directional control loss. The airplane struck an embankment and spun, sustaining damage to the landing gear, right wing, and left elevator.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Oct 1997 Cessna 180J accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Oct 1997 involved a Cessna 180J, registration N7527K, at Chama, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during its landing roll. Encounter with an embankment (dirt bank) was a related factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09014. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.