No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Experiences Wing Strike During Landing Roll

Santa Fe, NM, United States

On June 7, 2019, a Cessna 180 J was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Fe, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind, which resulted in a wing strike. 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

During landing roll with a left crosswind, the tailwheel airplane's right wing struck the runway after the left wing lifted, causing substantial damage. No mechanical issues were reported.

Event Description

A pilot reported that during the landing roll of a tailwheel-equipped airplane on an asphalt runway, a left crosswind affected the aircraft. When the tailwheel made contact with the runway surface, the left wing of the airplane lifted upward, causing the right wing to strike the ground. Subsequently, the airplane departed the runway to the left and came to a stop.

Meteorological Conditions

The pilot stated that at the time of the accident, the wind was from 150 degrees at 14 knots. The airplane had landed on runway 20.

Damage Assessment

The right wing of the airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the wing strike.

Mechanical Status

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jun 2019 Cessna 180 J accident near Santa Fe, NM?

During landing roll with a left crosswind, the tailwheel airplane's right wing struck the runway after the left wing lifted, causing substantial damage. No mechanical issues were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jun 2019 Cessna 180 J accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jun 2019 involved a Cessna 180 J, at Santa Fe, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind, which resulted in a wing strike.