Casualties unknown

2006-04-14: Cessna 180 (N40LT) — Claren Nilsson — Klamath Falls, OR

Klamath Falls, OR, US

On April 14, 2006, a Cessna 180 (registration N40LT) operated by Claren Nilsson was involved in an aviation accident near Klamath Falls, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped aircraft during the landing roll. Factors include gusty crosswinds. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a loss of directional control during landing roll in gusty crosswinds, resulting in the right wing and elevator contacting the runway. The pilot reported no issues with flight controls or tailwheel steering.

Circumstances

After an initial departure, the pilot flew approximately 10 minutes south to another airport, where she conducted about 10 touch-and-go landings. As winds at that location became variable and gusty, the pilot returned to the original departure airport. She was cleared for a full-stop landing on runway 32.

According to the pilot, the touchdown was uneventful. However, during the landing roll, a crosswind gust lifted the left wing, causing the aircraft to veer from the runway heading. While attempting to realign the aircraft with the runway, it turned sharply to the left. The right wing and right elevator then came into contact with the runway surface.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there did not appear to be any problems with the aircraft's flight controls or tailwheel steering system. After taxiing to parking, she spoke with another individual who had landed just before her. That individual reported encountering gusty crosswinds as well. The two pilots estimated the gusts were as high as 15 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060420X00465. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.