On August 7, 2000, a Cessna 180 (registration N222AK) was involved in an aviation accident near Challis, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors include variable winds during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dry paved runway experienced a left drift after touchdown. Despite brake and corrective inputs, the airplane exited the runway into soft terrain and nosed over.
Incident Overview
A commercial pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dry paved runway. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane began to drift left of the runway centerline. The pilot applied brakes and corrective action, but the aircraft continued off the runway. It then encountered soft terrain adjacent to the runway and nosed over.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that winds at the time of the accident were variable at 10 knots. He also reported that he had not experienced any mechanical difficulties or failures with the aircraft that may have contributed to the accident.
Aircraft Configuration
The airplane was of tailwheel design. The runway surface was dry. The wind conditions were described as variable. The pilot noted no mechanical anomalies with the aircraft before or during the event.