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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 17, 1999 · Cessna 180K · N181RC

Santa Monica, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 17, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Santa Monica, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 180K
Tail Number
N181RC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX99LA224

The pilot attempted to make a three point, full stall landing, but stalled the airplane about 1 foot above the runway. On touchdown the tail struck the runway and the airplane bounced back into the air. As the airplane continued to porpoise down the runway, the pilot added power and left rudder when a gust of wind caught the airplane from the right. The left wing tip struck the runway and the airplane ground looped.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's misjudged landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and the subsequent porpoising of the airplane; and his failure to maintain directional control that resulted in a ground loop and substantial damage to the airplane.

Full Narrative

On On June 16, 1999, at 1809 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 180K, N181RC, ground looped after landing on runway 21 at the Santa Monica, California, airport. The airplane, operated under 14 CFR Part 91, sustained substantial damage. The private pilot/owner was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the personal flight and no flight plan was filed. The flight had departed Santa Monica earlier that day. An intermediate stopover was made at the Santa Ana, California, airport. The airplane departed about 1630, and was scheduled to terminate at Santa Monica. In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot stated that the purpose of the flight to Santa Ana was to receive additional training in his conventional gear airplane. The pilot reported no discrepancies during training at Santa Ana or the return trip to Santa Monica. The pilot stated that when he entered the traffic pattern he remained at a higher altitude due to traffic around him. He reported that he made a steep vertical descent before leveling off on final. He then struck his tail during touchdown. The airplane porpoised several times, coming to rest after ground looping. According to a written statement submitted by the pilot, he attempted to make a three point, full stall landing. He misjudged his round out and stalled the airplane about 1 foot above the runway. The pilot reported that the airplane bounced back into the air and he added a little power, but not enough, which resulted in another hard landing. He stated that a gust of wind then picked up his right wing causing the airplane to turn to the right. He applied left rudder and differential braking but the left wing tip contacted the runway. According to the pilot, the airplane came to rest 90 degrees from the initial touchdown point. A witness to the accident stated that the airplane landed hard and porpoised down the runway four times before the left wing hit and the airplane ground looped.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:09 PDT
Nearest AirportSanta Monica (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length4987 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180K
Tail NumberN181RC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-U · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 8 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:10
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data