Cessna 180 N7847C accident near Venator, Oregon

Probable cause

The inadvertent application of brakes during landing that resulted in a ground loop.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that while conducting a wheel landing on a dry lakebed, the airplane veered to the right. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the right, the left wing impacted the ground, and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted. As a result, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage. The pilot stated he was unsure why the airplane swerved, adding that it could have been the result of the passenger unintentionally bracing their foot against the right rudder pedal.

The pilot also stated the swerve could have been the result of the right wheel brake locking; however, after he had egressed the airplane, he was able to spin the right wheel by hand without any binding noted. Additionally, during the airplane’s recovery and transportation, the airplane was able to be rolled on its main wheels with no instances of either main wheel brake locking or seizing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA018 for the full record.