Runway excursion and nose-over involving Cessna aircraft

Casualties unknown • Prospect, OR, US

An aircraft experienced a violent tailwheel shimmy during landing, leading to a runway excursion and a nose-over on soft ground.

What happened

During the landing phase at the airport, witnesses observed the Cessna performing a low pass down runway 20 toward the south. One witness reported that the pilot executed a 180-degree climbing turn to land on runway 02. Several observers noted that the aircraft landed long and with high speed, resulting in a wheel landing.

While the pilot reported calm conditions, witnesses provided varying reports of wind, including a 5-7 mph breeze from the south and a 10-knot wind from 180 degrees. During the landing roll, the aircraft's tailwheel began to shimmy violently, causing the plane to depart the left side of runway 02. Due to soft ground conditions, the aircraft subsequently nosed over. The incident resulted in damage to both wings and the left wing strut.

Photographic evidence of the runway showed two black skid marks veering left off the runway, which continued through the gravel and grass to the position where the aircraft came to rest.

The investigation

Investigators examined the scene and noted the presence of skid marks leading off the runway. Aircraft recovery personnel uprighted the plane and determined that both brakes were functioning normally.

Probable cause

The aircraft departed the runway and subsequently nosed over due to a violent tailwheel shimmy while operating on soft ground during a high-speed landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-07-16 Cessna 180 accident near Prospect, OR?

An aircraft experienced a violent tailwheel shimmy during landing, leading to a runway excursion and a nose-over on soft ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-07-16 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2944C, at Prospect, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft departed the runway and subsequently nosed over due to a violent tailwheel shimmy while operating on soft ground during a high-speed landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050802X01144. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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