Accident Details
On July 16, 2009, at approximately 0945 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 180A aircraft (registration N4UA) equipped with a tailwheel experienced a ground loop during landing at Merrill Field in Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was being operated by the University of Alaska as a visual flight rules (VFR) public use flight under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.
Pilot Statement
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge on the same day, the pilot stated that the purpose of the local flight was to demonstrate navigation technology to three passengers, all employees of the Federal Aviation Administration. The pilot reported that upon returning to land, the winds on approach were unstable.
In a written statement, the pilot recounted that after touchdown, "All of a sudden the left wing went up abruptly, slamming the right wing into the runway." The pilot noted that the right wing striking the ground caused the airplane to veer to the right, but he was able to keep the airplane on the runway. He attributed the event to a strong gust of wind that lifted the left wing. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, aileron, and right horizontal stabilizer.
Injuries
The airline transport pilot and the three passengers were not injured.