# Fatal NTSB investigations: Cessna 180 NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. Page 1 of 2 · 96 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB CEN25FA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA157.md): Cessna 180 · Fremont, NE · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Apr 19, 2025 · N2908C · Substantial damage > On April 18, 2025, about 2011 central daylight time, a Cessna 180, N2908C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fremont, Nebraska. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The flight was conducted as a Title 14 Code of… - [NTSB ERA23FA252](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA252.md): Cessna 180 · Harrisburg, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 31, 2023 · N3178D · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent collision with terrain and objects. - [NTSB WPR17FA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA117.md): Cessna 180 · Ventura, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 2017 · N3683C · Destroyed > The pilot's abrupt and substantial pullup maneuver while flying the airplane above the maneuvering speed, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. The reason for the pilot's maneuver could not be determined based on the available evidence. - [NTSB ANC15FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15FA066.md): Cessna 180 · Kasilof, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2015 · N3043E · Substantial damage > The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on postaccident examination and testing. - [NTSB ANC15FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15FA021.md): Cessna 180 · Whittier, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 14, 2015 · N9247C · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to continue flight into known icing conditions, contrary to the airplane’s limitations, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to icing. - [NTSB ERA14FA417](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA417.md): Cessna 180 · North Hampton, NH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 2014 · N6510A · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to ensure the airplane maintained adequate airspeed during the initial climb and the subsequent exceedance of its critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s impairment… - [NTSB CEN12FA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA199.md): Cessna 172S · Longmont, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 23, 2012 · N10468 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage > The inadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both airplanes, which resulted in a mid-air collision. - [NTSB ANC11FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11FA037.md): Cessna 180 · Chugiak, AK · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 27, 2011 · N4955A · Substantial damage > The pilot's loss of control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in make and model, his lack of currency in FAA required takeoffs and landings, and his… - [NTSB LAX06FA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06FA206.md): Cessna 180 · Payson, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 2006 · N1535C · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain during a low level flyby maneuver. A factor was glare from the sun and shadows created by the mountainous terrain. - [NTSB SEA06FA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06FA119.md): Cessna 180 · Agness, OR · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2006 · N38SP · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree and subsequent collision with rocky terrain. A contributing factor was the sun glare. - [NTSB ANC06LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC06LA015.md): Cessna 180 · Seward, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 2, 2006 · N212RF · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, which resulted in an in-flight encounter with low ceilings, turbulence, and downdrafts in cruise flight, and the pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in an in-flight… - [NTSB ANC05FA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05FA116.md): Cessna 180 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 30, 2005 · N3188C · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from objects and terrain during cruise flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with tree-covered terrain. - [NTSB LAX05FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05FA079.md): Cessna 180 · Adelanto, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 2005 · N2882A · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during an attempted go-around, resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain. - [NTSB IAD05LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD05LA008.md): Cessna 180 · Freedom, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 27, 2004 · N2922C · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance during the takeoff resulting in an in-flight collision with trees. - [NTSB NYC04FA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04FA033.md): Cessna 180 · Westerly, RI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 2003 · N34AG · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage > The Piper pilot's improper decision to continue a landing on an occupied runway, which resulted in an in-flight collision with the departing Cessna. Factors related to the accident were the departing Cessna pilot's inattentive radio communications, and the… - [NTSB ATL03FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03FA075.md): Cessna 180 · Oxford, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 10, 2003 · N3166D · Destroyed > The pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. A factor was low ceilings. - [NTSB ANC00LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC00LA108.md): Cessna 180 · Pilot Point, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2000 · N4985A · Substantial damage > The commercial certificated pilot, an owner of a fishing lodge, departed a remote area of beach with three passengers to return to the lodge. The accident airplane was one of two airplanes transporting lodge guests. The beach was located along an area of… - [NTSB ANC00FA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC00FA093.md): Cessna 180 · Thorne Bay, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2000 · N2997A · Destroyed > The pilot-in-command's inadvertent stalling of the airplane. - [NTSB CHI00LA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA072.md): Cessna 180 · Tower, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 20, 2000 · N6545A · No damage > the passenger not maintaining clearance from the rotating propeller. - [NTSB FTW98FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA067.md): Cessna 180 · Johnson City, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 1997 · N20MF · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Factors were the low ceilings, dark night light conditions, and the pilot's lack of visible horizon in the unpopulated area. - [NTSB LAX96LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA040.md): Cessna 180 · Placerville, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 4, 1995 · N3358D · Destroyed > the pilot's intentional buzzing, his failure to identify an obstruction (inadequate visual lookout), and his failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from the obstruction (utility pole). Factors relating to the accident were: dust generated by farm… - [NTSB LAX95LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA135.md): Cessna 180 · Winslow, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 15, 1995 · N1520C · Destroyed > The pilot's poor judgement by intentionally deciding to buzz. - [NTSB SEA93FA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93FA187.md): Cessna 180 · Cheyenne, WY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1993 · N3120C · Destroyed > Improper in-flight planning/decison by the pilot, which resulted in exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft after encountering adverse weather. The weather conditions were related factors. - [NTSB BFO93FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO93FA034.md): Cessna 180F · Brewer, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 27, 1993 · N4607U · Destroyed > Loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons, and the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing which resulted in a stall. - [NTSB LAX93FA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93FA055.md): Cessna T210M · Thornton, CA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 29, 1992 · N784RF · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > The failure of the pilots of both airplanes to see and avoid each other. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the sacramento controller to advise the stockton controller of the impending unsafe situation, and the failure of the stockton controller… - [NTSB CHI90FA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90FA235.md): Cessna 180 · Howell, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 1990 · N4547B · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance above terrain while maneuvering during takeoff. A factor in the accident was the pilot's attempt to display the aircraft's performance. - [NTSB SEA88LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA080.md): Cessna 180 · Hailey, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 1988 · N180W · Destroyed > This Cessna 180 was on a VFR flight from gooding, Idaho to Hailey, Idaho when it disappeared. The wreckage was later found in a steep canyon about 15 miles from the destination. No mechanical failures were found. Good VFR weather conditions existed at the… - [NTSB MKC88FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88FA023.md): Cessna 180 · Springfield, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 6, 1987 · N46TD · Destroyed > According to witnesses on the ground, the aircraft was flying low, under the overcast, when the left wing struck the guy wires of a tv tower and the plane crashed out of control. It was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. Weather stations in the… - [NTSB SEA86FA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86FA233.md): Cessna 180 · Wallace, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 1986 · N4703B · Destroyed > Plt received wx brief, advised VFR for proposed flt. Plt filed VFR flt plan and departed. Wreckage located 2 days later at crest of mountain pass. - [NTSB CHI86FER06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FER06.md): Cessna 180 · Brainerd, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Apr 30, 1986 · N6559A · Destroyed > A witness reported seeing the floatplane descending 'abnormally' in a nose low attitude just prior to water impact. The plt reported making the apch to the lake in a nose up attitude with partial power on. The plt remembers no further events leading up to the… - [NTSB FTW86FA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FA011.md): Cessna 180 · Cisco, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 1985 · N2368C · Destroyed > Non-instrument rated pvt pilot proceeded into instrument weather conditions. Control was lost and the aircraft impacted steep nose down in city limits. No record of a wx briefing being received by the pilot was found. No evidence of pre- impact failure or… - [NTSB DEN86FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86FA009.md): Cessna 180 · Eagle, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 1985 · N1611C · Destroyed > The plt departed Eagle arpt with 3 pax to fly them to the white owl lake area for the reported purpose of looking for a possible camping site for hunting activities. The plt encountered IMC and lost control of the acft. He was not instrument rated. All… - [NTSB FTW85FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FA025.md): Cessna 180 · Amarillo, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 27, 1984 · N602RD · Destroyed > Last radio contact was a clearence to descend to 5,000 ft MSL to which the plt responded 'two romeo delta.' Cloud tops were near 5,000 ft MSL. Acft impacted in a high speed dive aprx 10 deg past verticle. Plt received com/inst certificate on 12/14/84 and this… - [NTSB ANC84LA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC84LA148.md): Cessna 180 · Iliamna Bay, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1984 · N2641Y · Destroyed > The acft struck a gravel bar while taxiing. The acft was not freed from the gravel bar until the next morning due to a receding tide on the previous night. Approx 3 hours later as the pilot taxied around awaiting daylight for takeoff, the acft rolled over in… - [NTSB LAX84FA389](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FA389.md): Cessna 180 · Randsburg, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1984 · N4697B · Destroyed > Plt attempted to land on a 1200 ft long airstrip. He landed the acft with a tailwind and touched down aprx 600 ft from the apch end of the rwy. The acft skidded off the right side of the rwy and collided with a caterpillar tractor. The four occupants were… - [NTSB SEA84FA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA84FA060.md): Cessna 172N · Kent, WA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 1984 · N4603F · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > At about 1345 PST, the plt of a Cessna 172N, N4603F, departed crest airpark, Kent, WA, on a local pleasure flt. Aprx 5 min later, the plt & 1 passenger of a float equipped Cessna 180, N4908A, took off from lake meridian, Kent, WA, & were also on a local… - [NTSB LAX83FUM04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FUM04.md): Cessna 180J · Descanso, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Feb 24, 1983 · N3687C · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated plt was on a flt from farmington, NM to el cajon, CA, but made a stop at borrego springs, CA where a passenger deplaned. Before departing farmington, he obtainend a wx briefing for the trip, but only filed a flt plan for the 1st leg… - [NTSB ANC82FAG14](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC82FAG14.md): Cessna 180 · Skwenta, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Final report · Jan 2, 1982 · N7641A · Destroyed > The aircraft departed finger lake at approximately 1000 ast for a short ice fishing trip to fish lakes. The aircraft never returned and a search was started. The wreckage was located near the kahiltna river about 5 miles from the intended destination on… - [NTSB CHI81LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI81LA106.md): Cessna 180 · Cotton, MN · Accident · 4 fatal · Limited investigation · Closed · Aug 1, 1981 · N4988E · Destroyed > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain altitude and aircraft control after an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions. - [NTSB CHI81DAMS5](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI81DAMS5.md): Cessna 180 · Missing Aircraft · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Aug 1, 1981 · N4988E · Destroyed - [NTSB ANC81FA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC81FA081.md): Cessna 180 · Naknek, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Jul 15, 1981 · N2827A · 2 aircraft · Destroyed - [NTSB ANC78FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC78FA045.md): Cessna 180 · Iliamna, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jul 8, 1978 · N9427C · Destroyed - [NTSB ANC78FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC78FA009.md): Cessna 180 · Galena, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Jan 1, 1978 · N2441C · Substantial damage - [NTSB NYC78FA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC78FA007.md): Cessna 180 · Jay, VT · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Nov 6, 1977 · N9298C · Destroyed - [NTSB CHI78FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI78FA004.md): Cessna 180 · Bidwell, OH · Accident · 5 fatal · Closed · Oct 29, 1977 · N51GC · Destroyed - [NTSB SEA77FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA77FA026.md): Cessna 180 · Newdale, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Apr 10, 1977 · N2974A · Destroyed - [NTSB MIA76AM039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA76AM039.md): Cessna 180 · Eufaula, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 2, 1975 · N9100C · Substantial damage - [NTSB LAX76AL004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX76AL004.md): Cessna 180 · San Diego, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Jul 22, 1975 · N3102C · 2 aircraft · Destroyed - [NTSB LAX7500025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX7500025.md): Cessna 180 · Vecora, Mexico · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Jan 26, 1975 · N4659A · Destroyed - [NTSB DEN75AD029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN75AD029.md): Cessna 180 · Sedalia, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 15, 1974 · N1523C · 2 aircraft · Destroyed Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=2072602&fatal=1&page=2 ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2072602')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=2072602 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.