On July 28, 2005, a Cessna 180 (registration N90RW) was involved in an aviation accident near Mccall, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to a wind gust during takeoff, which resulted in the right wingtip and propeller striking the runway and the subsequent collapse of the right main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A gust of wind lifted the tail and left wing during takeoff roll, causing the right wingtip to strike the runway and the landing gear to collapse.
What happened
Before departing from runway 16, local weather reports indicated a wind direction of 070 degrees at a speed of 6 knots. During the takeoff roll, a sudden gust of wind caused the aircraft's tail and left wing to lift off the ground unexpectedly. The pilot attempted to apply corrective control inputs to stabilize the aircraft. Despite these efforts, the right wingtip and propeller made contact with the runway surface. The impact resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed damage consistent with the described sequence of events. The right wingtip and propeller showed signs of striking the runway pavement. Structural failure was observed in the right main landing gear assembly, which collapsed under the stress of the impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to a wind gust during takeoff, which resulted in the right wingtip and propeller striking the runway and the subsequent collapse of the right main landing gear.