Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing and as the left main landing gear (MLG) touched down, the airplane encountered a wind gust and then veered "abruptly" left. He added that, as the right MLG touched down, the airplane "began skidding to the left," and the right MLG collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest on the left side of the runway and nosed down.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 32.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA339 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 11, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Belmar, New Jersey
- Nearest airport
- Monmouth Executive (BLM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N71MH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- 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.