Loss of Control on Ground: Cessna 180H, N2716X; accident occurred May 30, 2018 at Kake Airport (PAFE), Alaska

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Juneau, Alaska

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N2716X

Location: Kake, AK
Accident Number: GAA18CA310
Date & Time: 05/30/2018, 0914 AKD
Registration: N2716X
Aircraft: CESSNA 180
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while taxiing from the runway in crosswind conditions, he "failed to maintain directional control." Subsequently, the airplane ground looped counterclockwise.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and elevator.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 230° at 4 knots. The pilot landed on runway 29.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while exiting the runway after landing.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Crosswind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Taxi-from runway
Loss of control on ground (Defining event) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 39, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/29/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/08/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 738.6 hours (Total, all aircraft), 192.24 hours (Total, this make and model), 695.4 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 31.7 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 9.9 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3.2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N2716X
Model/Series: 180 H
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18051516
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/26/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 208.8 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470 R
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 230 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAFE, 172 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1756 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 74°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 5000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 230°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 9°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: JUNEAU, AK (JNU)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: Kake, AK (AFE)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0810 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: KAKE (AFE)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 171 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 29
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4000 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 56.964444, -133.915833 (est)