On August 15, 2018, a Cessna 180 J operated by Birchwood Aircraft Services LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Ambler, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the left wing and horizontal stabilizer striking the ground. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck the ground during landing on a sloping and uneven sand bar. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.
Accident Overview
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported landing on a sloping and uneven sand bar. The area selected for the landing roll increased in elevation. During the landing roll, the nose pivoted to the right, causing the left wing and horizontal stabilizer to strike the ground.
Damage Details
Substantial damage was sustained to the left wing spar, the left aileron, and the left side of the vertical stabilizer and elevator. No other damage was reported.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
PilotEffect 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 15 Aug 2018 Cessna 180 J accident near Ambler, AK?
A tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck the ground during landing on a sloping and uneven sand bar. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Aug 2018 Cessna 180 J accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Aug 2018 involved a Cessna 180 J, operated by Birchwood Aircraft Services LLC, at Ambler, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the left wing and horizontal stabilizer striking the ground.
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