Summary
On April 16, 2020, a Cessna 180 (N53ES) was involved in an incident near Marion, MT. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: 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.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, he encountered a heavy wind gust that abruptly pushed the tail to the left. The pilot applied the brakes to maintain directional control, however, as the speed bled off, the elevator lost its effectiveness and the airplane nosed down and the left wing contacted the surface.
The left wing sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR20CA124. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N53ES.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
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.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, he encountered a heavy wind gust that abruptly pushed the tail to the left. The pilot applied the brakes to maintain directional control, however, as the speed bled off, the elevator lost its effectiveness and the airplane nosed down and the left wing contacted the surface.
The left wing sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR20CA124