FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Pilot Loses Directional Control During Wheel Landing, Strikes Sign and Fence (N345RC)

Inyokern, CA, US

On March 7, 1999, a Cessna 180F (registration N345RC) was involved in an aviation accident near Inyokern, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the variable and gusting winds during a wheel landing, which led to a loss of directional control. 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 variable winds gusting to 10 knots, the pilot lost directional control, resulting in a ground loop, wingtip scrape, and collision with a sign and fence during a go-around.

Incident Overview

A pilot executed a wheel landing in variable wind conditions. The wind was reported as variable at 5 knots, gusting to 10 knots, with both the wind tee and windsocks indicating runway 33.

Sequence of Events

Shortly after touchdown, the pilot began to lose directional control, with the aircraft veering to the right. The pilot applied left rudder in an attempt to correct, but the aircraft entered a ground loop. During the ground loop, the aircraft swerved to the left, causing the right wingtip to scrape against the ground.

In response, the pilot initiated a go-around. However, during the go-around, the right wingtip struck a sign. This impact caused the aircraft to veer to the right, subsequently striking a fence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Mar 1999 Cessna 180F accident near Inyokern, CA?

During a wheel landing with variable winds gusting to 10 knots, the pilot lost directional control, resulting in a ground loop, wingtip scrape, and collision with a sign and fence during a go-around.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Mar 1999 Cessna 180F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Mar 1999 involved a Cessna 180F, registration N345RC, at Inyokern, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the variable and gusting winds during a wheel landing, which led to a loss of directional control.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00339. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.