On April 16, 2020, a Cessna 180 Undesignat was involved in an aviation accident near Marion, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control and subsequent improper brake application during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a nose-over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing roll, a tailwheel airplane encountered a heavy wind gust, pushed tail left, brakes applied, elevator lost effectiveness, airplane nosed down and left wing struck ground, causing substantial damage.
Incident Overview
A pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported an incident during the landing roll. According to the pilot, a heavy wind gust abruptly pushed the airplane's tail to the left. The pilot applied the brakes in an effort to maintain directional control.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane's speed decreased, the elevator lost its effectiveness. Subsequently, the airplane nosed down, and the left wing contacted the surface. The left wing sustained substantial damage as a result.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The incident occurred solely due to the encountered wind conditions and the subsequent loss of elevator effectiveness at low speed.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Apr 2020 Cessna 180 Undesignat accident near Marion, MT?
During landing roll, a tailwheel airplane encountered a heavy wind gust, pushed tail left, brakes applied, elevator lost effectiveness, airplane nosed down and left wing struck ground, causing substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Apr 2020 Cessna 180 Undesignat accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Apr 2020 involved a Cessna 180 Undesignat, at Marion, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of directional control and subsequent improper brake application during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a nose-over.