On 4 Jul 2016, a CESSNA 180 C was involved in an aviation accident near Nome, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate glide path during landing, which resulted in the airplane landing short of the runway and impacting a barricade. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel airplane landed prematurely on a gravel runway due to a downdraft, then collided with a 38-inch-high metal barricade located 90 feet from the threshold, damaging the right wing lift strut.
Accident Details
During landing on a gravel-surfaced runway, a tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a downdraft that forced the aircraft to the ground prematurely. The airplane subsequently impacted a metal barricade approximately 38 inches in height, situated about 90 feet from the runway threshold. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the right wing lift strut.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Airport Manager Statement
The airport manager stated that the metal barricade sections were erected each summer season to prevent all-terrain vehicles from using the runway, thereby mitigating runway incursions.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDescent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation