Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control in gusting crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during touchdown with the flaps extended, he heard the stall warning horn. Immediately following touchdown, a wind gust caused the airplane to balloon about 10 ft and drift left. The pilot applied power to go around; however, the airplane continued to drift and subsequently impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 16 with a crosswind from 250° at 16 knots, gusting to 28 knots.
The pilot recommended less flaps and more airspeed when landing in a crosswind.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA111 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 29, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bend, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Bend Muni (BDN)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N7757C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.