No fatalities

21 Oct 2013: CESSNA 180 — Butte, MT

Butte, MT, United States

On 21 Oct 2013, a CESSNA 180 UNDESIGNAT was involved in an aviation accident near Butte, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A gust of wind caused the airplane to ground loop to the left after touchdown. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a crosswind landing, a tailwheel airplane experienced a ground loop after a gust of wind at touchdown, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical issues.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a stabilized approach in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, appropriate crosswind control inputs were being applied for the prevailing left crosswind condition. Upon touchdown, a gust of wind caused the airplane to ground loop to the left. The subsequent motion resulted in the right wing striking the ground, which caused substantial damage to the aircraft.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunctions or failures occurred with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The accident sequence was initiated solely by the gust of wind after touchdown.

Damage

The right wing struck the ground during the ground loop, resulting in substantial damage. No other damage or injuries were reported in the source.

Probable cause

A gust of wind caused the airplane to ground loop to the left after touchdown.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome