Left main gear collapse during landing due to wind shift

Casualties unknown • Grangeville, ID, US

An aircraft experienced a left main gear collapse during the landing roll on runway 07 after encountering unexpected wind changes.

What happened

The pilot was performing a landing on runway 07 when the temporary tower reported winds from 100 degrees at 7 knots. Throughout the approach, the pilot observed that these wind conditions remained fairly steady.

After touchdown, all three wheels of the aircraft were on the asphalt. As the aircraft reached the end of the rollout, with the yoke in the full back position and a landing configuration with ailerons into the wind, the tail lifted and the aircraft began to yaw to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the movement using left rudder and braking; however, the tail lifted a second time, causing a more severe yaw to the right. This resulted in the collapse of the left main gear.

Following the accident, the pilot noted that while facing runway 07, the wind was hitting him from behind. The pilot estimated that the wind had shifted to a southwesterly direction at approximately 12 to 15 knots. Shortly after the incident, the tower reported winds from 190 degrees at 12 knots to other aircraft in the area.

Findings

The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunction or failure contributed to the accident. Wind observations from three stations surrounding the airport confirmed variability in both wind speed and direction during the period starting approximately 1.5 hours after the event.

Probable cause

A sudden change in wind direction and speed during the landing roll caused the aircraft to yaw and subsequently led to the collapse of the left main gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-09-26 Cessna 180 accident near Grangeville, ID?

An aircraft experienced a left main gear collapse during the landing roll on runway 07 after encountering unexpected wind changes.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-09-26 involved a Cessna 180, registration N224H, at Grangeville, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A sudden change in wind direction and speed during the landing roll caused the aircraft to yaw and subsequently led to the collapse of the left main gear.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011015X02094. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…