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Pilot Stalls Aircraft One Foot Above Runway During Landing Attempt (N181RC)

Santa Monica, CA, US

On June 17, 1999, a Cessna 180K (registration N181RC) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Monica, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and the subsequent porpoising of the airplane; and his failure to maintain directional control that resulted in a ground loop and substantial damage to the airplane. 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 three-point full stall landing, the aircraft stalled about one foot above the runway, resulting in a tail strike and bounce. Subsequent porpoising and a gust from the right led to a wing tip strike and ground loop.

Incident Overview

A pilot attempting a three-point, full stall landing experienced a sequence of events that led to a ground loop. The aircraft stalled when it was approximately one foot above the runway surface. Upon touchdown, the tail struck the runway, causing the aircraft to bounce back into the air.

Porpoising and Gust Response

After the bounce, the aircraft continued to porpoise down the runway. In response, the pilot added power and applied left rudder. At that moment, a gust of wind caught the aircraft from the right side. The left wing tip subsequently struck the runway, and the aircraft ground looped.

Conclusion

The incident involved a stall at low altitude, a tail strike, a bounce, porpoising, and a ground loop. No further information is provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, or other details.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jun 1999 Cessna 180K accident near Santa Monica, CA?

During a three-point full stall landing, the aircraft stalled about one foot above the runway, resulting in a tail strike and bounce. Subsequent porpoising and a gust from the right led to a wing tip strike and ground loop.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jun 1999 Cessna 180K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jun 1999 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N181RC, at Santa Monica, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudged landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and the subsequent porpoising of the airplane; and his failure to maintain directional control that resulted in a ground loop and substantial damage to the airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19035. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.