Cessna 180A Sustains Substantial Damage in Russellville Runway Excursion

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — A Cessna 180A Skywagon, registration N5235D, sustained substantial damage after veering off Runway 7 at Russellville Regional Airport (KRUE) on May 3, 2026. According to preliminary data from the National Transportation Safety Board, the excursion occurred at approximately 11:14 a.m. local time.

The aircraft carried one pilot and two passengers. All three occupants escaped without injury, according to the NTSB and the Aviation Safety Network. No additional property damage was reported at the scene.

Investigation Ongoing

The NTSB has categorized the event as a runway excursion, though a final determination of cause has not yet been released. Runway excursions are among the most common accident types in general aviation, with contributing factors ranging from weather and mechanical issues to pilot technique. The agency continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the N5235D incident.