Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a gusting crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot encountered a gust of wind about halfway through his landing roll. He was unable to counter the gust with full aileron and rudder deflections, which resulted in a loss on control and ground loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and right elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 9 with wind from 020° at 12 knots with gusts to 22 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA126 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 28, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Alexandria, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- Esler Rgnl (ESF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N7770K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.