Accident Details
On December 3, 2017, at approximately 1527 eastern standard time, a Cessna 180, registration N399F, was substantially damaged while landing at Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) in Frederick, Maryland. The pilot and two passengers were not injured; the pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot.
Flight Conditions
The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions in accordance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. No flight plan was filed. The flight departed Massey Aerodrome (MD1) in Massey, Delaware, around 1445.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that after a "smooth normal touchdown," the left tire failed. The left wheel rim then dug into the runway pavement, causing the left wingtip to strike the runway. The tail of the airplane rose, and the propeller blades struck the ground. The airplane came to rest on its nose just to the right of the runway centerline.
Witness Observation
A witness stated that the tailwheel-equipped airplane made a "shallow" bounce upon initial touchdown on runway 30. On the second touchdown, the left main tire blew. The left wing dipped and dragged on the runway surface for about 20 to 30 feet before the airplane nosed over and came to a stop.
Damage Assessment
Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the firewall and an engine mount. The propeller, spinner, left main tire, and left-wing tip were also damaged.
Tire Examination
The left tire assembly was examined by a National Transportation Safety Board Materials Specialist. The examination showed features consistent with a progressive fracture through the rubber due to an overload failure of the underlying cords along one of the bias directions. No evidence of preexisting damage or material deficiencies was found.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. His most recent FAA Basic Med medical certificate was issued on May 3, 2017. The pilot reported 1,850 total flight hours, including 100 hours in the accident airplane.
Weather
At 1525, the weather at FDK was reported as wind from 330° at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, and clear skies.