Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind, which resulted in a ground-loop.
NTSB analysis
The airline transport pilot was on a Title 14, CFR Part 91, local public use flight to demonstrate navigation technology to FAA personnel. According to the pilot, during the landing roll a gust of wind lifted the left wing, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane veered to the right. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, aileron, and right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC09TA068 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 16, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Merrill Field (MRI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180A
- N-number
- N4UA
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Public aircraft
- Purpose of flight
- Public aircraft
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.