Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing, the tailwheel-equipped airplane had a "small bounce" and then veered to the right. He added that he attempted to correct, and the "tail came around quick in a clockwise ground loop." Subsequently, the airplane exited the right side of the runway onto soft terrain, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA190 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 30, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Salina, California
- Nearest airport
- Salinas Muni (SNS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N9986N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.