Cessna 180H N4763U accident near Delta Junction, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain and maintain yaw control during the approach and attempted go around, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was making an approach to an airstrip along the bank of a river. During the approach to landing, on short final, the airplane encountered a right quartering tailwind. The airplane drifted left of course and the sink rate increased beyond what the pilot had planned. The pilot reported that he added power to go around, but did not apply enough right rudder to compensate for wind and the power setting. Subsequently, the airplane yawed left, impacted trees, and bounced one time before coming to rest on a gravel bar. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, aileron, horizontal stabilizer, and elevator.

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA267 for the full record.