Fatal NTSB investigations: Cessna 180
96 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Cessna 180. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.
Cases per year
| 1964 | 6 |
|---|---|
| 1965 | 1 |
| 1966 | 5 |
| 1967 | 4 |
| 1968 | 6 |
| 1969 | 9 |
| 1970 | 3 |
| 1971 | 3 |
| 1972 | 2 |
| 1973 | 5 |
| 1974 | 3 |
| 1975 | 3 |
| 1977 | 3 |
| 1978 | 2 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2072602'))
ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2072602'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB CEN25FA157Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 180 · Fremont, NEOn April 18, 2025, about 2011 central daylight time, a Cessna 180, N2908C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fremont, Nebraska. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The flight was conducted as a Title 14 Code of…NTSB ERA23FA252Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 180 · Harrisburg, PAThe pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent collision with terrain and objects.NTSB WPR17FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Ventura, CAThe pilot's abrupt and substantial pullup maneuver while flying the airplane above the maneuvering speed, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. The reason for the pilot's maneuver could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB ANC15FA066Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Kasilof, AKThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on postaccident examination and testing.NTSB ANC15FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Whittier, AKThe pilot's decision to continue flight into known icing conditions, contrary to the airplane’s limitations, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to icing.NTSB ERA14FA417Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · North Hampton, NHThe pilot’s failure to ensure the airplane maintained adequate airspeed during the initial climb and the subsequent exceedance of its critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s impairment…NTSB CEN12FA199Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Longmont, COThe inadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both airplanes, which resulted in a mid-air collision.NTSB ANC11FA037Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Chugiak, AKThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in make and model, his lack of currency in FAA required takeoffs and landings, and his…NTSB LAX06FA206Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Payson, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain during a low level flyby maneuver. A factor was glare from the sun and shadows created by the mountainous terrain.NTSB SEA06FA119Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Agness, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree and subsequent collision with rocky terrain. A contributing factor was the sun glare.NTSB ANC06LA015Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Seward, AKThe pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, which resulted in an in-flight encounter with low ceilings, turbulence, and downdrafts in cruise flight, and the pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in an in-flight…NTSB ANC05FA116Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from objects and terrain during cruise flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with tree-covered terrain.NTSB LAX05FA079Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Adelanto, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during an attempted go-around, resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain.NTSB IAD05LA008Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Freedom, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance during the takeoff resulting in an in-flight collision with trees.NTSB NYC04FA033Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Westerly, RIThe Piper pilot's improper decision to continue a landing on an occupied runway, which resulted in an in-flight collision with the departing Cessna. Factors related to the accident were the departing Cessna pilot's inattentive radio communications, and the…NTSB ATL03FA075Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Oxford, ALThe pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. A factor was low ceilings.NTSB ANC00LA108Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Pilot Point, AKThe commercial certificated pilot, an owner of a fishing lodge, departed a remote area of beach with three passengers to return to the lodge. The accident airplane was one of two airplanes transporting lodge guests. The beach was located along an area of…NTSB ANC00FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Thorne Bay, AKThe pilot-in-command's inadvertent stalling of the airplane.NTSB CHI00LA072Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Tower, MNthe passenger not maintaining clearance from the rotating propeller.NTSB FTW98FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Johnson City, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Factors were the low ceilings, dark night light conditions, and the pilot's lack of visible horizon in the unpopulated area.NTSB LAX96LA040Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Placerville, CAthe pilot's intentional buzzing, his failure to identify an obstruction (inadequate visual lookout), and his failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from the obstruction (utility pole). Factors relating to the accident were: dust generated by farm…NTSB LAX95LA135Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Winslow, AZThe pilot's poor judgement by intentionally deciding to buzz.NTSB SEA93FA187Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Cheyenne, WYImproper in-flight planning/decison by the pilot, which resulted in exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft after encountering adverse weather. The weather conditions were related factors.NTSB BFO93FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180F · Brewer, MELoss of engine power due to undetermined reasons, and the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing which resulted in a stall.NTSB LAX93FA055Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Thornton, CAThe failure of the pilots of both airplanes to see and avoid each other. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the sacramento controller to advise the stockton controller of the impending unsafe situation, and the failure of the stockton controller…NTSB CHI90FA235Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Howell, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance above terrain while maneuvering during takeoff. A factor in the accident was the pilot's attempt to display the aircraft's performance.NTSB SEA88LA080Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Hailey, IDThis Cessna 180 was on a VFR flight from gooding, Idaho to Hailey, Idaho when it disappeared. The wreckage was later found in a steep canyon about 15 miles from the destination. No mechanical failures were found. Good VFR weather conditions existed at the…NTSB MKC88FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Springfield, NEAccording to witnesses on the ground, the aircraft was flying low, under the overcast, when the left wing struck the guy wires of a tv tower and the plane crashed out of control. It was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. Weather stations in the…NTSB SEA86FA233Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Wallace, IDPlt received wx brief, advised VFR for proposed flt. Plt filed VFR flt plan and departed. Wreckage located 2 days later at crest of mountain pass.NTSB CHI86FER06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 180 · Brainerd, MNA witness reported seeing the floatplane descending 'abnormally' in a nose low attitude just prior to water impact. The plt reported making the apch to the lake in a nose up attitude with partial power on. The plt remembers no further events leading up to the…NTSB FTW86FA011Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Cisco, TXNon-instrument rated pvt pilot proceeded into instrument weather conditions. Control was lost and the aircraft impacted steep nose down in city limits. No record of a wx briefing being received by the pilot was found. No evidence of pre- impact failure or…NTSB DEN86FA009Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Eagle, COThe plt departed Eagle arpt with 3 pax to fly them to the white owl lake area for the reported purpose of looking for a possible camping site for hunting activities. The plt encountered IMC and lost control of the acft. He was not instrument rated. All…NTSB FTW85FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Amarillo, TXLast radio contact was a clearence to descend to 5,000 ft MSL to which the plt responded 'two romeo delta.' Cloud tops were near 5,000 ft MSL. Acft impacted in a high speed dive aprx 10 deg past verticle. Plt received com/inst certificate on 12/14/84 and this…NTSB ANC84LA148Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Iliamna Bay, AKThe acft struck a gravel bar while taxiing. The acft was not freed from the gravel bar until the next morning due to a receding tide on the previous night. Approx 3 hours later as the pilot taxied around awaiting daylight for takeoff, the acft rolled over in…NTSB LAX84FA389Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Randsburg, CAPlt attempted to land on a 1200 ft long airstrip. He landed the acft with a tailwind and touched down aprx 600 ft from the apch end of the rwy. The acft skidded off the right side of the rwy and collided with a caterpillar tractor. The four occupants were…NTSB SEA84FA060Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Kent, WAAt about 1345 PST, the plt of a Cessna 172N, N4603F, departed crest airpark, Kent, WA, on a local pleasure flt. Aprx 5 min later, the plt & 1 passenger of a float equipped Cessna 180, N4908A, took off from lake meridian, Kent, WA, & were also on a local…NTSB LAX83FUM04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 180J · Descanso, CAThe non-instrument rated plt was on a flt from farmington, NM to el cajon, CA, but made a stop at borrego springs, CA where a passenger deplaned. Before departing farmington, he obtainend a wx briefing for the trip, but only filed a flt plan for the 1st leg…NTSB ANC82FAG14Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportCessna 180 · Skwenta, AKThe aircraft departed finger lake at approximately 1000 ast for a short ice fishing trip to fish lakes. The aircraft never returned and a search was started. The wreckage was located near the kahiltna river about 5 miles from the intended destination on…NTSB CHI81LA106Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationClosedCessna 180 · Cotton, MNThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain altitude and aircraft control after an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CHI81DAMS5Accident · 4 fatalClosedCessna 180 · Missing AircraftNTSB ANC81FA081Accident · 3 fatalClosedCessna 180 · Naknek, AKNTSB ANC78FA045Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 180 · Iliamna, AKNTSB ANC78FA009Accident · 3 fatalClosedCessna 180 · Galena, AKNTSB NYC78FA007Accident · 3 fatalClosedCessna 180 · Jay, VTNTSB CHI78FA004Accident · 5 fatalClosedCessna 180 · Bidwell, OHNTSB SEA77FA026Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 180 · Newdale, IDNTSB MIA76AM039Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 180 · Eufaula, ALNTSB LAX76AL004Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 180 · San Diego, CANTSB LAX7500025Accident · 3 fatalClosedCessna 180 · Vecora, MexicoNTSB DEN75AD029Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 180 · Sedalia, CO