# NTSB FTW90LA068: Cessna 180J, N52035, Austin, TX, February 11, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 11, 1990, 11:47 local (17:47 UTC)
- Place: Austin, TX
- Coordinates: 30.300842, -97.689872 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3008&lon=-97.6899&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 10, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23105
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90LA068
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23105/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA068

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING A DOWNWIND LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN THIS TYPE AIRPLANE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - tailwind
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AIRCRAFT VEERED HARD NOSE LEFT ON TOUCHDOWN DURING LANDING WITH A 150 DEGREE, 5 KNOT, RIGHT QUARTERING TAILWIND. THE PILOT, WHO HAD 6 HOURS IN THE MAKE AND MODEL, STATED THAT APPLICATION OF FULL RIGHT RUDDER HAD NO EFFECT AND THE AIRPLANE GROUND LOOPED. A PREVIOUS TAIL WHEEL SHIMMY COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED BY THE PILOT PRIOR TO DEPARTURE ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT. POST-ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE TAIL WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND CABLE SYSTEM DID NOT REVEAL ANY EVIDENCE OF FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N52035](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N52035), registered now, S/N 18052454, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180J
- Registry model: [Cessna 180J](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180j) (registry code 2072622) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18052454
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Mark C. Ritter
- Departed: ERV, KERRVILLE, TX
- Destination: AUS
- Airport: AUS, Austin Muni, runway 13, 7,270 × 130 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 246 total, 6 in this make and model, 190 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: AUS

## 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 19900211001889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900211001889A), Feb 11, 1990: Cessna 180J, Austin, TX, Substantial damage. Ground looped after landing. Minimum tail wheel type experience.

## Other investigations on N52035 (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 FTW77DRD20](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW77DRD20), May 6, 1977: Cessna 180J (N52035), Dulac, LA, 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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