No fatalities

Aircraft Impacts Driveway During Landing in Rain

Kettle Falls, WA, United States

On May 23, 2010, a CESSNA 180A operated by CADA CATTLE CO was involved in an aviation accident near Kettle Falls, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility due to precipitation. 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

During landing in rain, a pilot reported normal touchdown but reduced visibility. After heavy braking and right rudder, the left main gear struck an elevated driveway, causing substantial damage to left wing, fuselage, and firewall.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during flight, isolated rain storms were encountered frequently. While on approach, light rain was present with good visibility. The pilot described a normal touchdown, after which the forward visibility decreased as the rain intensified from light to heavy.

Sequence of Events

At approximately 150 feet from the end of the airstrip, the pilot observed an 18-inch elevated driveway. In response, heavy braking and right rudder were applied, resulting in a low-speed skid. The left main gear subsequently impacted the driveway, and the aircraft continued sliding over the road bed.

Damage Assessment

The impact caused substantial damage to the left wing, fuselage, and firewall.

Pilot Account

The pilot provided the above account of the approach, touchdown, and subsequent collision with the driveway.

Contributing factors

Causes

Response/compensationPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on personnel

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 May 2010 CESSNA 180A accident near Kettle Falls, WA?

During landing in rain, a pilot reported normal touchdown but reduced visibility. After heavy braking and right rudder, the left main gear struck an elevated driveway, causing substantial damage to left wing, fuselage, and firewall.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 May 2010 CESSNA 180A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 May 2010 involved a CESSNA 180A, operated by CADA CATTLE CO, at Kettle Falls, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility due to precipitation.