No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Strikes Fence Post During Landing

Condon, OR, United States

On October 10, 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.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Oct 2009 CESSNA 180A accident near Condon, OR?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Oct 2009 CESSNA 180A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Oct 2009 involved a CESSNA 180A, operated by BARTELL STAN D, at Condon, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the fence post on approach.