Loss of directional control during landing in tailwheel aircraft

Casualties unknown • Anchorage, AK, US

A private pilot lost directional control of a tailwheel aircraft equipped with oversized tires during the landing roll on a warm asphalt runway.

What happened

During the landing phase of flight, a private pilot was operating a tailwheel airplane on a warm asphalt runway. As the aircraft entered the landing roll, it suddenly lurched to the right. The pilot was unable to regain directional control of the aircraft.

As the excursion continued, the aircraft struck the runway with its left wing and propeller. The sequence ended with the aircraft coming to a rest in a nose-down position on the runway. The pilot reported no injuries following the event.

Findings

The aircraft was equipped with oversized main tires. The pilot noted that the combination of these large tires and the warm temperature of the asphalt runway surface may have contributed to the difficulty in maintaining directional control during the landing roll. There were no pre-accident mechanical problems reported with the aircraft.

Probable cause

The difficulty in maintaining directional control during the landing roll due to the use of oversized main tires on a warm asphalt runway surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-06-21 Cessna 180 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A private pilot lost directional control of a tailwheel aircraft equipped with oversized tires during the landing roll on a warm asphalt runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-06-21 involved a Cessna 180, registration N4685A, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The difficulty in maintaining directional control during the landing roll due to the use of oversized main tires on a warm asphalt runway surface.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040624X00863. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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