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Downdraft Forces Tailwheel Aircraft into Barricade During Landing

Nome, AK, United States

On July 4, 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.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

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

Other contributing factors

Airport personnelAwareness of condition

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 4 Jul 2016 CESSNA 180 C accident near Nome, AK?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 2016 CESSNA 180 C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 2016 involved a CESSNA 180 C, at Nome, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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. Contributing to the accident was the airport manager's improper placement and marking of a metal barricade that encroached on the runway safety area.

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