Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing with a crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the stabilized approach in the tailwheel equipped airplane he was inputting the appropriate crosswind control inputs for the left crosswind condition. Upon touchdown, a gust of wind caused the airplane to ground loop to the left. Subsequently, the right wing struck the ground which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA028 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 21, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Butte, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Bert Mooney (BTM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N156JM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1956
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.