# NTSB SEA85LA105: Cessna 180-L, N4979A, Las Vegas, NV, May 3, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1985, 14:18 local (21:18 UTC)
- Place: Las Vegas, NV
- Coordinates: 36.120384, -115.079673 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1204&lon=-115.0797&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40151
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA105
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40151/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA105

## Sequence of events

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

- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING LANDING ROLLOUT A GUST OF WIND PICKED UP THE LEFT WING. THE ACFT ROLLED DOWN THE RNY ON THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR UNTIL IT COLLAPSED. ALTHOUGH THE TOWER REPORTED THE WIND AS BEING STRAIGHT DOWN THE RWY, THE PLT AND THE PLT WHO LANDED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ACCIDENT, REPORTED GUSTY CROSS WINDS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4979A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4979A), registered now, S/N 32376 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180-L
- 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: 32376
- Airframe hours: 3118
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-K 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Land L. Flying
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 15, 1985
- Departed: ITL, IMPERIAL, CA
- Destination: VGT, LAS VEGAS, NV
- Airport: VGT, North Las Vegas Air Term., runway 25, 5,005 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 207 total, 111 in this make and model, 150 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VGT

## 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 19850503016759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850503016759A), May 3, 1985: Cessna 180, Las Vegas, NV, Substantial damage. Wind picked up wing after 3 point landing and right gear collapsed before control was regained.

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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