# NTSB DEN87LA228: Cessna 180, N2413C, Grassy Butte, ND, August 29, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 28, 1987, 18:00 local (Aug 29, 1987, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Grassy Butte, ND
- Coordinates: 47.399726, -103.250442 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.3997&lon=-103.2504&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17303
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN87LA228
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17303/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA228

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

N2413C, A CESSNA 180, WAS LANDING IN TEDDY ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK WHERE THE PLT AND HIS PASSENGERS INTENDED TO HUNT DEER. A FLAT, GRASSY AREA ON A RIDGE WAS SELECTED FOR LANDING. THE AREA WAS CHECKED AND MARKED OFF BY FRIENDS OF THE PLT BEFORE THE LANDING ATTEMPT; HOWEVER, THE PLT SAID THE MARKED AREA WAS SHORTER THAN HE HAD REQUESTED. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED A DROP OFF AND THE RT MLG COLLAPSED RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FIREWALL AND RT WING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2413C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2413C-2019-09-06), registration cancelled 2019-09-06, S/N 30713, 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: 30713
- Airframe hours: 3650
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-A 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Terry L. Belzer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 5, 1986, 130 hours before
- Departed: 9D7, CANDO, ND

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 510 total, 124 in this make and model, 486 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °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 19870828048499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870828048499A), Aug 28, 1987: Cessna 180, Grassy Butte, ND, Substantial damage. The gear collapsed on landing when the aircraft hit a dip in the landing area.

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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