On August 21, 2000, a Cessna 180K (registration N61782) was involved in an aviation accident near Douglas, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during landing roll. Factors were high winds and crosswinds. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During the landing roll at the end of a cross-country flight, the aircraft departed the left side of runway 5. The right wing sustained substantial damage after impacting the ground. Winds were from 010° at 27 knots gusting 34 knots, producing a direct crosswind of 17 knots (23 knots gusts), exceeding the aircraft's demonstrated crosswind capability of 12 knots.
Event Description
During the landing roll at the completion of a cross-country flight, the aircraft departed the left side of the runway. The right wing sustained substantial damage when it impacted the ground.
Weather Conditions
The landing was conducted on runway 5. The wind was from 010 degrees magnetic heading at 27 knots with gusts to 34 knots. This produced a calculated direct crosswind of 17 knots, with a direct crosswind of 23 knots during peak gusts.
Aircraft Information
In accordance with this aircraft's certification requirements established in 14 CFR Part 23, published crosswind limitations are not required. The demonstrated crosswind capability listed in the operating handbook is 12 knots.