Casualties unknown

1999-09-26: Cessna 180 (N4563B) — Pilot Point, AK

Pilot Point, AK, US

On September 26, 1999, a Cessna 180 (registration N4563B) was involved in an aviation accident near Pilot Point, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged the touchdown point during landing. 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 pilot landing on a volcanic cinder area experienced left main landing gear collapse after contacting a two-foot-high tundra hummock, causing substantial damage to the left elevator and aileron.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported a landing accident on a volcanic cinder area approximately 1,000 feet in length. The pilot described visibility as unlimited, winds at five knots, and light rain on the windshield during the approach. While in the landing flare, the left main landing gear contacted a tundra hummock two feet in height. Upon touchdown, the left landing gear leg collapsed. The left elevator and left aileron sustained substantial damage.

Pilot Report

The pilot informed the investigator-in-charge that he had landed at the same location numerous times. During this landing, he misjudged the touchdown point, leading to the contact with the hummock and subsequent gear collapse. No other contributing factors were identified in the pilot's account.

Damage Assessment

The incident resulted in substantial damage to the left elevator and left aileron. The extent of damage to other aircraft components was not specified. The aircraft remained on site following the occurrence.

Conditions

At the time of the accident, visibility was unlimited, wind was from an unspecified direction at five knots, and light rain was present. The landing surface consisted of volcanic cinders with a noted tundra hummock feature.

Probable cause

The pilot misjudged the touchdown point during landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19680. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.