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Tailwheel Aircraft Runway Excursion and Gear Collapse During Crosswind Landing (N2635K)

Silverdale, WA, US

On April 2, 2000, a Cessna 180K (registration N2635K) was involved in an aviation accident near Silverdale, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for winds. Factors include gusty, shifting winds, crosswinds, and an earthen berm near the edge of the runway. 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

A tailwheel aircraft veered off the runway during landing in gusty, shifting winds, struck an earthen berm, and collapsed both main landing gear.

Incident Overview

A tailwheel aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing in gusty wind conditions. The pilot was landing with winds that were shifting direction and gusty.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft touched down on its main landing gear while encountering a headwind. As the pilot lowered the tail to the runway surface, a crosswind affected the aircraft, causing it to swerve toward the side of the runway. The pilot attempted to realign the aircraft with the runway, but the aircraft departed the left side of the runway and impacted an earthen berm.

Damage

Upon contacting the berm, both main landing gear collapsed.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Apr 2000 Cessna 180K accident near Silverdale, WA?

A tailwheel aircraft veered off the runway during landing in gusty, shifting winds, struck an earthen berm, and collapsed both main landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Apr 2000 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N2635K, at Silverdale, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for winds. Factors include gusty, shifting winds, crosswinds, and an earthen berm near the edge of the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20915. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.