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Cessna 180J ground loop at Kenai airport

Kenai, AK, United States

On May 18, 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.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

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

Related events

Same aircraft family

  • 19 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 180
  • 13 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 180
  • 30 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 180A
  • 27 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 180E
  • 18 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 180J
  • 16 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 180
  • 10 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 180
  • 31 Jul 2026 — CESSNA 180
  • 22 Jul 2026 — CESSNA 180K
  • 9 Jul 2026 — CESSNA 180
  • 3 Jul 2026 — CESSNA 180
  • 21 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 180H

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 May 2011 CESSNA 180J accident near Kenai, AK?

A private pilot lost directional control during the landing roll of a Cessna 180J, resulting in a ground loop and wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 May 2011 CESSNA 180J accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 May 2011 involved a CESSNA 180J, operated by ACKERMAN DENNIS W, at Kenai, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which led to the ground loop.

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