Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while taxiing at an unfamiliar airstrip.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while taxiing a tail wheel-equipped airplane down a slope the airplane began to slide sideways and the empennage turned downslope. Despite the pilot’s control inputs, the empennage reached approximately a 90-degree angle to the desired direction and the airplane tipped to the left. During the accident sequence, damage was incurred to the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine prior to the accident. The pilot stated the accident could have been prevented by obtaining more knowledge concerning the airstrip.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA301 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 21, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Big Creek, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Mile Hi (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N2350C
- 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.