On 18 May 2011, a CESSNA 180J operated by ACKERMAN DENNIS W was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which led to the ground loop. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot lost directional control during the landing roll of a Cessna 180J, resulting in a ground loop and wing damage.
What happened
On May 18, 2011, a Cessna 180J, registration N9951N, was performing a landing in Kenai, Alaska, under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 090 degrees at 10 knots. During the landing roll, the aircraft experienced a ground loop to the right. This maneuver caused the left wing to strike the runway surface. The pilot reported no mechanical issues prior to the accident. There were no injuries resulting from the event, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which led to the ground loop.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot