On June 16, 2003, a Cessna 180 (registration N9221C) was involved in an aviation accident near Ogden, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna 180 departed the right side of the runway during rollout in gusty crosswind conditions, resulting in a ground loop. The calculated crosswind component matched the aircraft's demonstrated limit.
What happened
The pilot was attempting to land on runway 25 when encountering gusty crosswind conditions. During the roll-out phase, the airplane began to track toward the right and eventually left the paved surface. The aircraft departed from the right side of the runway and subsequently ground looped.
Reported wind data indicated a direction of 330 degrees at a speed of 8 knots. Based on these parameters, the crosswind component was calculated to be 8 knots. This value aligns with the maximum demonstrated crosswind component of 12 knots as specified in the Cessna 180 pilot operating handbook.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the operational circumstances surrounding the departure from the runway. Analysis confirmed that the reported wind speed and direction resulted in a crosswind component within the aircraft's demonstrated limits, though gusty conditions may have contributed to directional control difficulties during rollout.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions.