# NTSB CHI07CA216: Cessna 180, N3306D, Madison, SD, July 15, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: July 14, 2007, 19:00 local (Jul 15, 2007, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Madison, SD
- Coordinates: 44.016109, -97.086112
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.0161&lon=-97.0861&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 30, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 66332
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI07CA216
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66332/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA216

## Probable cause

The tailwheel vibrations during the landing roll that resulted in the tailwheel spring disconnect.  Directional control was not possible and the grassy terrain were factors.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - landing gear,tailwheel - vibration (cause)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - miscellaneous,bolt/nut/fastener/clamp/spring - disconnected (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - grass (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll

## Analysis

The left main landing gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest on its left side during a landing roll.  The pilot reported that after touchdown the tail wheel began to shimmy and the airplane began to shake.  He reported that he "rode the rudder from side to side" in order to try and stop the shimmy.  He reported that the airplane veered to the right near the end of the landing roll.  The pilot reported he used the left rudder and brake to stop the turn, but the airplane kept veering.  The airplane traveled into the grass where the left main landing gear then collapsed and the airplane came to rest on its left side.  The pilot reported the tail springs came unhooked as a result of the tail wheel shimmy.

## Factual narrative

The left main landing gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest on its left side during a landing roll.  The pilot reported that after touchdown the rail wheel began to shimmy and the airplane began to shake.  He reported that he "rode the rudder from side to side" in order to try and stop the shimmy.  He reported that the airplane veered to the right near the end of the landing roll.  The pilot reported he used the left rudder and brake to stop the turn, but the airplane kept veering.  The airplane traveled into the grass where the left main landing gear then collapsed and the airplane came to rest on its left side.  The pilot reported the tail springs came unhooked as a result of the tail wheel shimmy.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3306D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3306D), registered now, S/N 32104, built 1955 (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: 32104
- Engines: Continental O-470-R reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles J. Keppen
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 7IA2, Larchwood, IA
- Destination: MDS, Madison, SD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; flight hours: 1,970 total, 40 in this make and model, 1,920 as pilot in command, 52 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 20070714826389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070714826389A), Jul 14, 2007: Cessna 180, Madison, SD, Substantial damage. (-23) On July 14, 2007 a Cessna 180 (N3306D) owned and piloted by [privacy data omitted], flew from larchwood, IA, to Madison, SD. VFR weather conditions…

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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