# NTSB ANC90LA037: Cessna 180, N2428C, Fairbanks, AK, March 6, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 6, 1990, 10:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Fairbanks, AK
- Coordinates: 64.810684, -147.720916 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=64.8107&lon=-147.7209&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 5, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5341
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC90LA037
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5341/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90LA037

## Probable cause

IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE GEAR AXLE (USE OF IMPROPER BOLTS & THE WRONG NUMBER OF SHIMS), WHICH RESULTED IN A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE AND LOSS OF CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - landing gear,axle - improper (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - landing gear,axle - failure,total (cause)
  - landing gear,normal brake system - inoperative
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing
  - directional control - not possible
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD THAT THE RGT BRAKE FAILED DURING A LANDING & THE ACFT VEERED TO THE LEFT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT CAME TO REST WITH THE RIGHT MAIN WHEEL BROKEN OFF. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE WRONG TYPE OF BOLTS WERE USED TO MOUNT THE AXLE TO THE GEAR LEG. ALSO, 4 ALIGNMENT SHIMS WERE USED BETWEEN THE AXLE & GEAR LEG; THE CESSNA SVC MANUAL ALLOWED FOR THE USE OF ONLY 3 SHIMS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2428C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2428C), registered now, S/N 30728, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180
- Registry model: [Cessna 180](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180) (registry code 2072602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 30728
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Starr, Ronnie
- Registered owner: Ronnie Starr
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: FYU, FORT YUKON, AK
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: FAI, Fairbanks Intl, runway 1L, 10,300 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 900 total, 600 in this make and model, 834 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 7 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 3 °F, dew point 10 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19900306003439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900306003439A), Mar 6, 1990: Cessna 180, Fairbanks, AK, Substantial damage. Right tire broke loose on landing. Incorrect bolts and improper mounting caused problem, aircraft ground looped.

## Other investigations on N2428C (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB IAD75DLQ08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD75DLQ08), Oct 9, 1974: Cessna 180 (N2428C), Sandy Hook, KY, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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