Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during landing, resulting in a collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing to the south on a beach in his tailwheel-equipped Cessna 180 airplane. The pilot stated the wind was gusting about 35 knots across the beach. At the end of the landing rollout, the right tire impacted a sand drift and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane entered a ground loop, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing and elevator. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC15CA065 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 22, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Homer, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Homer (HOM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N9588B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1957
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.