Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, resulting in the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tail wheel-equipped airplane was attempting a full stop landing in variable gusty wind conditions. Although he was able to successfully touch down on the main landing gear, as he was lowering the tail wheel to the runway surface, a gust of wind lifted the airplane's right wing. The airplane then began to weather vane to the right. The pilot attempted to realign the airplane with the runway, but he eventually lost directional control, whereupon the airplane's left wing struck the runway surface and was bent upward.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA246 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 19, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Renton, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Renton Municipal (KRNT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180K
- N-number
- N66033
- 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.