Cessna 180 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 1114 events recorded from 1981 to 2025.

1114

All Events

865

Incidents

107

Minor

51

Serious

87

Fatal (166 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Aug 15, 2009 Spartanburg, SC N1044Y Incident substantial The Cessna pilot's inadequate visual lookout.
Jul 29, 2009 Buckland, AK N540RT Incident substantial
The improper installation of the right brake cylinder, which allowed a portion of the cylinder to disengage and jam the right rudder/brake pedal, resu…

The improper installation of the right brake cylinder, which allowed a portion of the cylinder to disengage and jam the right rudder/brake pedal, resulting in a loss of directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate inspection of the brake system by maintenance personnel.

Jul 16, 2009 Anchorage, AK N4UA Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind, which resulted in a ground-loop.
Jul 05, 2009 La Grande, OR N3198D Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control.
Jun 15, 2009 King Salmon, AK N2162Z Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage to the airplane.
Jun 07, 2009 Bellingham, WA N5101Y Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Apr 03, 2009 Bettles, AK N2801K Incident substantial The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area.
Mar 27, 2009 Wendover, UT N98FC Incident substantial
A loss of directional control during landing as a result of the binding in one main landing gear brake assembly due to incorrect maintenance procedure…

A loss of directional control during landing as a result of the binding in one main landing gear brake assembly due to incorrect maintenance procedures. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to correctly reconfigure the airplane during an attempted rejected landing.

Mar 17, 2009 Townsend, MT N2698Y Fatal (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude.
Dec 31, 2008 Port Orange, FL N37MD Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during landing. Contributing to the accident were the gusting wind conditions and the pilo…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during landing. Contributing to the accident were the gusting wind conditions and the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model airplane.

Dec 21, 2008 Great Falls, MT C-FIWA Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Oct 26, 2008 Justin, TX N1846Z Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing.
Oct 22, 2008 Whitewater, CO N3389D Incident minor
Both pilots' failure to see and avoid the other airplane. Contributing factors in this accident were the Cessna 180 pilot's attention being diverted a…

Both pilots' failure to see and avoid the other airplane. Contributing factors in this accident were the Cessna 180 pilot's attention being diverted and the Cessna 210 pilot's vision being affected by the sun glare.

Oct 19, 2008 Denton, TX N1729F Minor substantial The pilot's loss of directional control and subsequent "ground-loop."
Oct 06, 2008 St. Louis, MO N6180 Incident substantial The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during the landing.
Sep 26, 2008 Bluff, UT N4646A Incident substantial The pilot's encounter with the rough, uneven, and eroded condition of the airstrip.
Aug 09, 2008 Garden City, UT N63217 Fatal (2) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which led to an aerodynamic stall/spin.
Jul 28, 2008 Anchorage, AK N4631U Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was an inadvertent ground-loop.
Jul 20, 2008 Lewistown, MT N1710C Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the variable and gusting winds, and his failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident …

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the variable and gusting winds, and his failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident were variable winds that were gusting to 25 knots.

Jun 29, 2008 Heber, UT N98FC Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the cros…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind weather conditions.

Jun 15, 2008 Atlanta, ID N2294C Incident substantial
The pilot's misjudged speed and distance during the intentional touchdown in the last half of the runway, which resulted in a landing overrun. Contrib…

The pilot's misjudged speed and distance during the intentional touchdown in the last half of the runway, which resulted in a landing overrun. Contributing to the accident was the muddy runway condition.

Jun 07, 2008 Eveleth, MN N4701U Incident substantial
The pilot elected to land on a grass airstrip that was unsuitable for landing due to the wet, soft runway conditions. The wet, soft runway were facto…

The pilot elected to land on a grass airstrip that was unsuitable for landing due to the wet, soft runway conditions. The wet, soft runway were factors.

May 29, 2008 Kutztown, PA N511MH Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.
Apr 24, 2008 Blanding, UT N180XP Incident substantial The fatigue failure of the right main landing gear leg during the landing roll.
Apr 21, 2008 Kodiak, AK N3043E Incident substantial
A loss of control during the landing roll due to a failure or malfunction of the brake system, resulting in a loss of control, and structural damage t…

A loss of control during the landing roll due to a failure or malfunction of the brake system, resulting in a loss of control, and structural damage to the airplane.

Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
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