Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the left wing and horizontal stabilizer striking the ground.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he landed the airplane on an upsloping, uneven sand bar. During the landing roll, the airplane's nose pivoted to the right, and the left wing and horizontal stabilizer struck the ground.
The left-wing spar, the left aileron, and the left side of the vertical stabilizer and elevator sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA492 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 15, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ambler, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N9949N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
Other records under this N-number
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.