No fatalities

Gust of Wind Lifts Tail During Taxi After Landing (N9344C)

N. Las Vegas, NV, US

On April 29, 2000, a Cessna 180 (registration N9344C) was involved in an aviation accident near N. Las Vegas, NV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition, and his improper positioning of the flight controls. 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

After landing right of centerline in gusty winds, a pilot corrected with left rudder when a gust lifted the tail, causing the airplane to nosedown and then rest on main gear. No airframe discrepancies noted.

Event Details

Prior to commencing the landing, the pilot obtained the latest ATIS information. The ATIS indicated that the surface wind was from 220 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot executed a landing, and the airplane touched down to the right of the runway centerline.

Taxi and Initial Gust

Following the landing, the pilot began taxiing the airplane toward the runway exit. As the airplane moved along the runway, a gust of wind struck the airframe, causing it to drift further to the right of the centerline. The pilot applied left rudder to correct the direction.

Second Gust and Aircraft Reaction

Another gust of wind then caught the tail of the airplane from the left side. This gust lifted the tail upward. As a result, the airplane nosed down and then came to rest on its main landing gear.

Post-Event Inspection

After the aircraft came to rest, the pilot inspected the airframe and noted no discrepancies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Apr 2000 Cessna 180 accident near N. Las Vegas, NV?

After landing right of centerline in gusty winds, a pilot corrected with left rudder when a gust lifted the tail, causing the airplane to nosedown and then rest on main gear. No airframe discrepancies noted.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Apr 2000 Cessna 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Apr 2000 involved a Cessna 180, registration N9344C, at N. Las Vegas, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition, and his improper positioning of the flight controls.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20867. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.