Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in the subsequent swerve of the airplane. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of experience in make and model and his diverted attention while attempting to adjust the trim.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On February 4, 2001, at approximately 0820 mountain standard time, a Cessna 180K, N180PG, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during a touch-and-go landing at Clovis Municipal Airport, Clovis, New Mexico. The private pilot and sole occupant was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for this local personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at approximately 0815.
According to the pilot, he was practicing touch-and-go landings on runway 04. After landing and applying full power for takeoff, he attempted to adjust the trim. The airplane swerved to the left, and then hopped. The right main landing gear collapsed causing the prop and right wing to strike the runway. Then it swerved to the left side of the runway and stopped. The right wing outboard of the wing strut was bent up approximately 40 degrees. The right main landing gear, the fuselage between the landing gear attachment points and the propeller were also damaged.
According to the pilot's accident report, at the time of the accident, he had 54 hours total time, 27 hours as pilot in command, 9 hours in make and model, and 4 hours within the last 30 and 90 days.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN01LA049