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
Oct 10, 2003 McCarthy, AK N9278C Incident substantial
The separation of the left main landing gear wheel from the gear leg, which resulted in a loss of directional control, and collapse of the right main …

The separation of the left main landing gear wheel from the gear leg, which resulted in a loss of directional control, and collapse of the right main landing gear. A factor contributing to the accident was the rough and uneven airstrip.

Oct 04, 2003 Starkville, MS N77NP Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to compensate for a crosswind condition that resulted in the loss of directional control during a landing. A factor was the crossw…

The pilot's failure to compensate for a crosswind condition that resulted in the loss of directional control during a landing. A factor was the crosswind condition.

Sep 26, 2003 Council, ID N9707G Incident substantial Aircraft control not maintained during the landing roll. Factors include soft, water soaked terrain.
Sep 21, 2003 Pavo, GA N2807A Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall.
Sep 18, 2003 Cape Yakataga, AK N2162Z Incident substantial
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for departure, which resulted in a collision with a log during the takeoff roll. Factors contribuiting to…

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for departure, which resulted in a collision with a log during the takeoff roll. Factors contribuiting to the accident were the presence of hidden obstructions, and sunglare.

Sep 14, 2003 Kenai, AK N9907V Incident substantial
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in an overrun and nose over during an aborted takeoff. Factors contributing t…

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in an overrun and nose over during an aborted takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were soft, sandy terrain, and a tailwind.

Sep 07, 2003 Greenville, ME N6445X Minor substantial
The inadequate installation and inspection of an aileron cable by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of control in-flight and subsequent …

The inadequate installation and inspection of an aileron cable by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of control in-flight and subsequent collision with water.

Aug 29, 2003 Caldwell, ID N1027X Incident substantial The instructor's inadequate supervision, and the student's failure to maintain directional control.
Aug 26, 2003 Nenana, AK N2117Z Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to fuel exhaustion, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a forced landing in unsuitable terra…

The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to fuel exhaustion, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a forced landing in unsuitable terrain.

Jul 31, 2003 St. Johns, AZ N2935A Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind condition that resulted in a loss of directional control and ground loop. The crosswind was a con…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind condition that resulted in a loss of directional control and ground loop. The crosswind was a contributing factor.

Jul 23, 2003 Punkin Center, AZ N767RK Minor substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and failure to attain adequate climb rate to ensure clearance from obstacles. The tailwind and high density…

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and failure to attain adequate climb rate to ensure clearance from obstacles. The tailwind and high density altitude were factors.

Jun 25, 2003 ANCHOR POINT, AK N91303 Fatal (3) destroyed An in-flight collision with water for an undetermined reason.
Jun 16, 2003 Ogden, UT N9221C Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control.
May 25, 2003 Yellow Pine, ID N767 Fatal (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance while maneuvering. Trees, a box canyon and rising terrain were factors.
Apr 27, 2003 Pasco, WA N180MK Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate remedial action when his aircraft began to veer during the landing roll, and his ultimate failure to maintain directional contr…

The pilot's inadequate remedial action when his aircraft began to veer during the landing roll, and his ultimate failure to maintain directional control which resulted in a ground loop. Factors include the pilot's momentary diversion of his attention during the landing roll.

Apr 26, 2003 Scottsdale, AZ N9759B Incident substantial
The failure of a main landing gear axle bolt, and the subsequent separation of the right main landing gear wheel from the gear strut during the landin…

The failure of a main landing gear axle bolt, and the subsequent separation of the right main landing gear wheel from the gear strut during the landing roll, which resulted in a collapse of the right main landing gear.

Apr 22, 2003 Angwin, CA N7821K Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.
Apr 10, 2003 Oxford, AL N3166D Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. A factor was low ceilings.
Mar 08, 2003 St Charles, MO N2732K Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control resulting in a ground loop. A factor was the crosswind.
Mar 02, 2003 Malin, OR UNREG Incident substantial Aircraft control not maintained during landing. Soft terrain was a factor.
Feb 20, 2003 East Windsor, CT N1752C Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A related factor was the snow-covered runway conditions.
Feb 02, 2003 Klamath Falls, OR N59180 Incident substantial Failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions while landing.
Dec 13, 2002 Petersburg, AK N9701G Fatal (1) destroyed An in flight collision with ocean water for an undetermined reason.
Oct 29, 2002 Larson Bay, AK N5355D Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance while landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree.
Oct 25, 2002 Anchorage, AK N5244D Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment on the taxiway and clearance from the taxiway edge lights while taxiing from landing. A factor contr…

The pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment on the taxiway and clearance from the taxiway edge lights while taxiing from landing. A factor contributing to the accident was sun glare.

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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