17 Jun 2011: CESSNA 180 — GODIN CHESTER A

17 Jun 2011: CESSNA 180 — GODIN CHESTER A

No fatalities • Big Lake, AK, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path during his landing approach, resulting in an undershoot and collision with terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The private pilot was returning to his private airstrip after practicing landings at a local airport. He said the approach to his airstrip is over water, and as he approached the transition from over water to over land, he encountered a downdraft. The airplane touched down short of the landing area, and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Contributing factors

  • cause Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

Related events

Same aircraft

  • 27 Mar 2026 — CESSNA 180K 180 (PONTIAC FLYING LLC)
  • 5 Mar 2026 — CESSNA 180 (—)
  • 8 Nov 2025 — CESSNA 180K (—)
  • 9 Oct 2025 — CESSNA 180 H (—)
  • 27 Sep 2025 — CESSNA 180 (—)

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