# NTSB LAX89LA179: Cessna 180, N9924N, Cottonwood, AZ, May 4, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1989, 18:30 local (May 4, 1989, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Cottonwood, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.750591, -112.010299 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7506&lon=-112.0103&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 29, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26397
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA179
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26397/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA179

## Probable cause

IMPROPER FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PIC WHEN HE DECIDED TO LAND WITH SUCH A CROSSWIND, AND NOT MAINTAINING COMPENSATION FOR THE CROSSWIND AFTER HE DECIDED TO ATTEMPT THE LANDING.

## 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
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID HE WAS ON DOWNWIND FOR THE AIRPORT WHEN HE NOTICED A DIRECT CROSSWIND FROM APPROXIMATELY 230 DEGREES. HE SAID HE HAD THE AIRPLANE DOWN ON ALL WHEELS ON RUNWAY 14 WHEN A GUST OF WIND CAUGHT THE PLANE AND SPUN IT TO THE RIGHT. THE LEFT WING AND LEFT STABILIZER IMPACTED THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9924N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9924N), registered now, S/N 18052579, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180
- 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: 18052579
- Airframe hours: 1725
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-S 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Az Northern Equipment Inc.
- Registered owner: Arizona Northern Equipment
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 21, 1988, 50 hours before
- Departed: 5C00, DURANGO, CO
- Destination: P52
- Airport: P52, Cottonwood, runway 14, 4,250 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 112 total, 61 in this make and model, 37 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 20 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19890503011059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890503011059A), May 3, 1989: Cessna 180J, Cottonwood, AZ, Substantial damage. Lost directional control trying to complete a landing rollout in a strong crosswind.

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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