Cessna 180K N2697K accident near Lakeview, Arkansas

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to continue an approach that resulted in a long landing and inability to stop prior to the end of the runway. Contributing to the accident were the light conditions and a road with vehicles on it immediately adjacent to the end of the runway.

NTSB analysis

During landing, the pilot stated he had difficulty seeing due to the sun in his eyes. He thought his visibility would improve as his altitude decreased but it did not. The airplane floated longer in the flare than anticipated. The pilot elected to land, use aggressive braking, and if necessary, cross a road into an open area that could be used as an overrun. During the landing roll he was unable to use the open area to stop beyond the end of the runway because there were two cars on the road which the pilot turned sharply to the left to avoid. During the turn, the left wheel assembly separated from the airplane and the landing gear strut dug into the ground. The airplane was substantially damaged when the left wing struck the ground bending the spar outboard of the wing strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA040 for the full record.