On September 5, 2017, a CESSNA 180 H was involved in an aviation accident near Ambler, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate glidepath to an off-airport landing site. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a landing on an off-airport gravel bar, the pilot touched down about 30 ft short of the intended area, causing the right wheel to strike a large rock, collapse the gear, and impact the left wing. Substantial damage occurred to the fuselage and left wing.
Accident Details
A tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage during a landing on an off-airport gravel bar. The pilot reported that the airplane touched down approximately 30 ft short of the intended landing area. Subsequently, the right wheel struck a large rock, resulting in a collapse of the landing gear and causing the left wing to impact the ground.
Aircraft Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing of the airplane.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDescent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintained
Other contributing factors
Effect on operation
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 5 Sept 2017 CESSNA 180 H accident near Ambler, AK?
During a landing on an off-airport gravel bar, the pilot touched down about 30 ft short of the intended area, causing the right wheel to strike a large rock, collapse the gear, and impact the left wing. Substantial damage occurred to the fuselage and left wing.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Sept 2017 CESSNA 180 H accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Sept 2017 involved a CESSNA 180 H, at Ambler, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate glidepath to an off-airport landing site.
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