On 10 Oct 2009, a CESSNA 180A operated by BARTELL STAN D was involved in an aviation accident near Condon, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the fence post on approach. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane struck a fence post on short final to a remote dirt airstrip, then landed hard and nosed down, sustaining substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
Accident Summary
A pilot reported that, during an approach to a remote 1,100-foot long dirt airstrip, the tailwheel-equipped airplane struck the top of a fence post located at the approach end. The pilot stated that the impact occurred on short final. Following the fence strike, the airplane landed hard and nosed down.
Damage and Investigation
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and elevator of the airplane. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures. The investigation noted the presence of the fence post at the approach end of the airstrip.