On October 21, 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.
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
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 21 Oct 2013 CESSNA 180 UNDESIGNAT accident near Butte, MT?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Oct 2013 CESSNA 180 UNDESIGNAT accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Oct 2013 involved a CESSNA 180 UNDESIGNAT, at Butte, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A gust of wind caused the airplane to ground loop to the left after touchdown.
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