No fatalities

Collision with Parked Truck During Go-Around Leads to Landing Gear Collapse

Fairbanks, AK, United States

On March 23, 2008, a Cessna 180 operated by Conor P. McManamin was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and inadequate compensation for wind conditions during a go-around. Contributing to the accident were wind gusts and a crosswind. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A wheel-ski equipped airplane's left main landing gear struck a parked unoccupied truck during a go-around due to a strong wind gust, causing the gear to collapse on landing and substantial damage.

Incident Overview

The pilot of a wheel-ski equipped airplane reported that he was attempting to land to the east with a variable wind gusting from 15 to 35 knots. As he approached touchdown, a strong gust of wind from the south prompted him to abort the landing and execute a go-around.

Collision with Truck

During the go-around, the left main landing gear of the airplane struck a parked and unoccupied truck. The impact forced the left main landing gear out of its gear box. When the subsequent landing took place, the left main landing gear collapsed under the load.

Damage Assessment

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and the left wing lift strut. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Pilot Statement

The pilot attributed the go-around to the strong, gusty wind conditions. No further details regarding the sequence of events or environmental factors were provided in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedCrosswind correction — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

CrosswindGustsGround vehicleRunway/land/takeoff/taxi surfa

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Mar 2008 Cessna 180 accident near Fairbanks, AK?

A wheel-ski equipped airplane's left main landing gear struck a parked unoccupied truck during a go-around due to a strong wind gust, causing the gear to collapse on landing and substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Mar 2008 Cessna 180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Mar 2008 involved a Cessna 180, operated by Conor P. McManamin, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and inadequate compensation for wind conditions during a go-around. Contributing to the accident were wind gusts and a crosswind.