Casualties unknown

2002-04-05: Cessna 180J (N7821K) — Charles A. Dake, Jr. — Saline Valley, CA

Saline Valley, CA, US

On April 5, 2002, a Cessna 180J (registration N7821K) operated by Charles A. Dake, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Saline Valley, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during landing rollout after encountering a water erosion rut in the runway's uneven surface. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During landing rollout, the airplane encountered a deep water erosion depression in the runway surface, causing the pilot to lose directional control. The aircraft veered off the runway, struck a rock, and nosed over.

Incident Overview

During the landing rollout on a gravel runway, the airplane encountered a deep water erosion depression in the runway's surface. Subsequently, the pilot lost directional control. The airplane veered off the runway, collided with a rock, and nosed over.

Runway Condition

The gravel runway was not maintained and had an uneven washboard-like surface. The depression was caused by water erosion.

Pilot Experience

During the previous 90 days, the pilot had landed at the airstrip approximately six times without experiencing any mishap.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft was landing on the gravel strip. During the rollout, it encountered a depression. The pilot then lost directional control, leading to the aircraft veering off the runway. The aircraft struck a rock and nosed over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020409X00480. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.