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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 21, 2004 · Cessna 180 · N4685A

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 21, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 180
Tail Number
N4685A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC04LA066

The private pilot was landing a tailwheel airplane equipped with oversized main tires on a warm asphalt runway. He reported that during the landing roll, the airplane lurched to the right, and he was unable to regain directional control. The airplane subsequently struck the left wing and propeller on the runway, and came to a rest nose down on the runway. The pilot stated the tailwheel airplane was equipped with oversized tires, and that the combination of large tires and warm runway surface may have made the airplane more difficult to control. He also noted that he was unaware of any preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop/swerve, and the left wingtip and propeller striking the runway. A factor associated with the accident was the installation of oversized tires on the main landing gear.

Full Narrative

On June 20, 2004, about 1834 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Cessna 180 airplane, N4685A, received substantial damage following a loss of control and collision with the runway during the landing roll at Merrill Field, Anchorage, Alaska. The 14 CFR Part 91 cross country personal flight was operated by the pilot/owner in visual meteorological conditions. The flight departed Homer, Alaska, about 1715, en route to Merrill Field, and a VFR flight plan was in effect. The private pilot and the one passenger were not injured. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on June 23, the pilot related that during the landing roll on runway 24, the airplane lurched to the right. He said he was unable to maintain directional control despite the application of left rudder, and the airplane subsequently ground looped to the right. During the ground loop, the left wing and elevator struck the runway and received structural damage. The airplane came to rest nose down on the runway. The pilot noted that the tailwheel airplane is equipped with oversized main landing gear tires, and that the combination of the larger tires and warm runway surface conditions may have made the airplane more difficult to control. He also stated that he was unaware of any preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:34 AKDT
Nearest AirportMerrill Field (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180
Tail NumberN4685A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470K · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 52
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time21:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data