Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a quartering headwind.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he was flying in the airport traffic pattern and was on his third landing when the accident occurred. His third landing was a full-stop landing, and as the airplane was slowing to taxi speed, the wind direction changed. The airplane began to weathervane into the wind, tipped up onto one wheel, and the left wing and elevator impacted the ground and were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported that he was new to flying tailwheel airplanes and did not react promptly with directional control inputs to prevent the airplane from weathervaning after landing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA367 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 27, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Minden, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Minden-Tahoe (MEV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N180MK
- 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.