Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate inspection of the off-airport landing area, which resulted in an encounter with standing water and a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll on a grass field the airplane encountered standing water and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, the right wing strut, and the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported as a safety recommendation to conduct a more thorough pre-landing reconnaissance of the intended landing zone.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA474 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 3, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yakutat, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N54AF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1954
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.