Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane, he inadvertently applied left brake and the airplane veered abruptly to the left. Subsequently, the right wing and horizontal stabilizer struck the ground and the airplane came to rest upright. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the right wing, right horizontal, and right elevator. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15CA012 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 2, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marion, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Cabin Creek Landing (97MT)
- 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.