Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during low-level maneuvering.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that during a low-level reconnaissance pass of a landing site on a snow-covered glacier, flat light conditions made it difficult to discern topographical features. During the pass, the airplane's left wheel/ski struck the ground, and the left main landing gear collapsed. The left wing subsequently struck the snow-covered ice, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing, left wing lift strut, and fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA029 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 30, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N266V
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.