# NTSB SEA92LA053: Cessna 180, N1680C, Quilcene, WA, February 23, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 23, 1992, 11:05 local (19:05 UTC)
- Place: Quilcene, WA
- Coordinates: 47.819828, -122.840286 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.8198&lon=-122.8403&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41635
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA053
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41635/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA053

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.  FACTORS INCLUDE A POOR IN FLIGHT DECISION AND UNFAVORABLE/GUSTY WINDS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing - aborted
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE CESSNA 180 COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING A BALKED LANDING AT A 1,300 FOOT PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. THE PILOT, WHO MADE THE DECISION TO LAND WITH A TAILWIND, ABORTED THE LANDING WHEN A GUST OF WIND CAUSED HIM TO HAVE DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING RUNWAY ALIGNMENT AFTER TOUCHDOWN. AFTER HE BECAME AIRBORNE, THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1680C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1680C), registered now, S/N 30380, built 1953 (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: 30380
- Airframe hours: 2387
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470J 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Donald Silsbee
- Registered owner: Donald Silsbee
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 19, 1991, 6 hours before
- Departed: SHN, SHELTON, WA
- Airport: Kim Sham Ranch, runway 36, 1,300 × 35 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,400 total, 150 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °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 19920223003389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920223003389A), Feb 23, 1992: Cessna 180, Quilcene, WA, Substantial damage. Drifted into trees on a go around from a Private strip. Was landing downwind on a short runway.

## Other investigations on N1680C (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 DEN73DTM29](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN73DTM29), May 4, 1973: Cessna 180 (N1680C), Bryce Canyon, UT, 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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