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NTSB Report
July 29, 1985 · Cessna 180 · N3161C
Ames, IA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 29, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Ames, IA
Aircraft
Cessna 180
Tail Number
N3161C
Operator
Richard a George
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC85LA174
THE DESIRED RWY (19) WAS CLOSED AT THE DESTINATION, SO THE PLT LANDED ON RWY 13 WITH A 15 KT X-WIND. THE X-WIND WAS WITHIN THE CAPABILITY OF THE ACFT & THE PLT. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE PLT USED FULL RUDDER & BRAKE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. HOWEVER, HE REPORTED THAT THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED A GUST & SUBSEQUENTLY SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. AFTER DEPARTING THE RWY, THE LEFT WING & HORIZONTAL STABILIZER CONTACTED THE GROUND & WERE DAMAGED. AN EXAM REVEALED THE TAILWHEEL LATCH SPRING, SCOTT PN 3222, HAD FAILED. WITH THIS PROBLEM, THE TAILWHEEL WOULD STEER THE ACFT TO THE RIGHT, BUT THERE WAS NO STEERING CAPABILITY TO THE LEFT.
Full Narrative
THE DESIRED RWY (19) WAS CLOSED AT THE DESTINATION, SO THE PLT LANDED ON RWY 13 WITH A 15 KT X-WIND. THE X-WIND WAS WITHIN THE CAPABILITY OF THE ACFT & THE PLT. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE PLT USED FULL RUDDER & BRAKE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. HOWEVER, HE REPORTED THAT THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED A GUST & SUBSEQUENTLY SWERVED TO THE RIGHT. AFTER DEPARTING THE RWY, THE LEFT WING & HORIZONTAL STABILIZER CONTACTED THE GROUND & WERE DAMAGED. AN EXAM REVEALED THE TAILWHEEL LATCH SPRING, SCOTT PN 3222, HAD FAILED. WITH THIS PROBLEM, THE TAILWHEEL WOULD STEER THE ACFT TO THE RIGHT, BUT THERE WAS NO STEERING CAPABILITY TO THE LEFT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 CDT
Nearest AirportAMESMUNI (0nm N)
Runway13
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 180
Tail NumberN3161C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRichard a George
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-K · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 50 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO