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Wind Gust Causes Ground Loop and Inversion During Landing Roll (N2228C)

Columbia, CA, US

On June 9, 2002, a Cessna 180 (registration N2228C) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot encountered a crosswind gust during the landing roll, resulting in a ground loop and nose over. 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

An airplane encountered a wind disturbance on landing, resulting in a ground loop and inversion. The pilot reported AWOS winds from 290° at 8 knots gusting to 15 knots. The aircraft came to rest inverted on a turf runway.

Incident Overview

During the landing roll, an airplane experienced a wind disturbance that led to a ground loop and the aircraft coming to rest inverted. The pilot reported that the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) indicated winds from 290° at 8 knots with gusts to 15 knots.

Sequence of Events

While the airplane was on the landing roll, a gust of wind caught the left wing and tail, lifting them off the ground. The tail continued to rise until the propeller struck the ground. This caused the airplane to flip over, coming to rest inverted.

Airport and Runway Information

The airport has two runways oriented on magnetic headings of 170–350 and 110–290. The accident occurred on Runway 11–29, which is a turf runway measuring 2,600 feet in length and 100 feet in width.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jun 2002 Cessna 180 accident near Columbia, CA?

An airplane encountered a wind disturbance on landing, resulting in a ground loop and inversion. The pilot reported AWOS winds from 290° at 8 knots gusting to 15 knots. The aircraft came to rest inverted on a turf runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jun 2002 Cessna 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jun 2002 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2228C, at Columbia, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot encountered a crosswind gust during the landing roll, resulting in a ground loop and nose over.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020614X00886. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.