Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while landing on Runway 16 the airplane experienced a slight bounce, then veered to the right off the runway. The weather observation system at the airport recorded southerly winds at 6 knots around the time of the accident. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA278 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 7, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bellingham, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Bellingham (KBLI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180J
- N-number
- N5101Y
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.