Cessna 180F N2162Z accident near King Salmon, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage to the airplane.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard-surfaced runway, with a 10 knot left crosswind, at the conclusion of a Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight. He said that when the airplane initially touched down, it bounced slightly, and as it touched down again, it began to swerve to the left. He said he was unable to correct the swerve with rudder and brakes, and the airplane ground looped to the left, striking the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer on the runway. The right wing, right aileron, and right horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC09CA057 for the full record.