Aircraft: Cessna 180. Injuries: None. Location: Upland, Calif. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The airplane touched down on the centerline, but during the rollout veered to the right. The pilot was able to correct back to the centerline, then a wind gust from the right caused the right wing to lift, which resulted in the airplane tracking to the left and off the side of the runway.
With a fence now directly in the path and a collision imminent, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power and retracting the flaps from 40° to 10°. The airplane lifted off but did not clear the fence.
The main landing gear and tailwheel hit the fence and the airplane came down wedged between a rock pile and the fence.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB Identification: WPR12CA352
This August 2012 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
