No fatalities

15 Jun 2009: CESSNA 180F — BAKER BENJAMIN K — King Salmon, AK

King Salmon, AK, United States

On 15 Jun 2009, a CESSNA 180F operated by BAKER BENJAMIN K was involved in an aviation accident near King Salmon, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage to the airplane. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during landing in a 10-knot left crosswind, his tailwheel airplane bounced slightly, then swerved left upon second touchdown. Unable to correct with rudder and brakes, the airplane ground looped, striking the right wing and stabilizer on the runway, resulting in substantial damage.

Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was conducting a landing on a hard-surfaced runway. The wind conditions included a left crosswind of 10 knots. As the airplane made initial contact with the runway, it bounced slightly. During the subsequent touchdown, the airplane began to swerve to the left. The pilot used rudder and brakes in an attempt to correct the swerve, but these control inputs did not halt the movement. The airplane then ground looped to the left. During the ground loop, the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer struck the runway.

Damage

The right wing, right aileron, and right horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged as a result of the ground loop.

Pilot Remarks

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical issues with the airplane.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome