Casualties unknown

1998-09-12: Cessna 180 (N6503A) — Lakeshore, MD

Lakeshore, MD, US

On September 12, 1998, a Cessna 180 (registration N6503A) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeshore, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failures of the right float's nose wheel do to a preexisting fatigue crack. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A floatplane experienced a 170-degree yaw during landing rollout on a grass strip, causing the left float to collapse. Examination revealed a preexisting fatigue crack on the right float's nose wheel.

Incident Overview

A floatplane was approaching a 1,800-foot grass strip and entered a left downwind for the west runway. On final approach, the pilot lowered the landing gear and selected full flaps. The airplane touched down smoothly approximately 300 to 400 feet down the runway.

Landing Roll and Yaw

During the landing rollout at about 30 mph, the airplane yawed right approximately 170 degrees. This yaw caused the left float to collapse and fold under the airplane. The right float's nose wheel was subsequently found in an area of loose dirt about 40 feet before the airplane's final resting position.

Examination Findings

Examination of the right float's nose wheel revealed marks consistent with a preexisting fatigue crack. No other damage or factors were noted in the report.

Remarks

The accident sequence involved a smooth touchdown followed by an unexpected yaw, leading to structural failure of the left float. The presence of a fatigue crack on the right float's nose wheel was documented but not explicitly linked as the cause of the yaw or collapse.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11152. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.