Accident Overview
On January 10, 2015, at 1018 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 180 (registration N2229C) veered off the runway surface and came to rest inverted during landing at Westover Field Amador County Airport, Jackson, California. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the tail section. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Auburn Municipal Airport, Auburn, California, about 0900.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated he was conducting a personal cross-country flight. He performed several takeoffs and landings at different airports without incident before continuing to Westover Field. As the airplane approached the airport, the pilot noted the wind was calm. He made a pass over the airport before entering a left traffic pattern and landing on runway 19. The pilot reported that the touchdown was normal. Shortly thereafter, the airplane began to veer left. In response, the pilot applied right rudder control, right brake, and right aileron, and added power to increase rudder authority. Despite his efforts, the airplane continued off the left edge of the runway. The left main landing gear started to slide down an embankment adjacent to and 6 feet lower than the runway surface. The propeller struck the ground, and the airplane slid into the embankment, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. After exiting, the pilot noted that the left wheel was locked and the right wheel was spinning.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration certified mechanic completed a post-accident examination of the brake system. The examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.