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 01, 1999 GUSTAVUS, AK N6180 Incident substantial The pilot's inadvertent ground loop/swerve.
Jul 30, 1999 SHAWANO, WI N4809E Incident substantial
the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control. Factors were the misjudged flare and improper recovery from the bounced landing by the pilo…

the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control. Factors were the misjudged flare and improper recovery from the bounced landing by the pilot, and the ditch.

Jul 24, 1999 FRANKFORT, MI N9330C Incident substantial the inadequate flare and the go-around not performed by the pilot.
Jul 18, 1999 TOWER, MN N4636B Incident substantial failure of the operator of the boat to maintain clearance with the floatplane.
Jul 05, 1999 WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN N9780B Incident substantial
the pilot's inability to get the airplane to climb for undetermined reason, and the pilot landing the floatplane on the lake with the wheels extended.…

the pilot's inability to get the airplane to climb for undetermined reason, and the pilot landing the floatplane on the lake with the wheels extended. Factors contributing to this accident were the pilot's failure to perform a before landing checklist, pressure induced by the event, and the precautionary landing.

Jul 03, 1999 NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV N180HW Incident substantial The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the existing crosswind condition and maintain directional control of the aircraft.
Jun 21, 1999 KOTZEBUE, AK N2958K Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Jun 19, 1999 KALISPELL, MT N4707U Incident substantial An encounter with a crosswind gust, which was not possible to compensate for.
Jun 17, 1999 SANTA MONICA, CA N181RC Incident substantial
The pilot's misjudged landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and the subsequent porpoising of the airplane; and his failure to maintain direct…

The pilot's misjudged landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and the subsequent porpoising of the airplane; and his failure to maintain directional control that resulted in a ground loop and substantial damage to the airplane.

Jun 15, 1999 FAIRBANKS, AK N5218D Minor substantial
The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision during a go-around. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path to the runw…

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision during a go-around. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide path to the runway.

Jun 09, 1999 PALMER, AK N7560K Incident substantial The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the water landing.
May 28, 1999 SEDONA, AZ N9270C Incident substantial Fuel exhaustion due to an inadequate fuel supply, and the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning fuel consumption calculations.
May 27, 1999 WICKENBURG, AZ N2660M Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from ground obstacles. A factor was the pilot's diverted attention in this accident.
May 23, 1999 BREMERTON, WA N2567K Incident substantial Failure of the landing gear attach bolt due to fatigue failure resulting in the left main landing gear collapsing.
May 10, 1999 NECEDAH, WI N59DW Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was the gusting tailwind.
Apr 04, 1999 ILIAMNA, AK N420SB Incident substantial
The improper installation of the main landing gear attaching bolt by maintenance personnel, which resulted in total failure of the bolt and collapse o…

The improper installation of the main landing gear attaching bolt by maintenance personnel, which resulted in total failure of the bolt and collapse of the landing gear.

Mar 28, 1999 GLENNALLEN, AK N3452D Incident substantial The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site. A factor associated with the accident was the soft, snow-covered terrain.
Mar 14, 1999 FAIRBANKS, AK N4721U Incident substantial
Water contamination of the fuel supply, and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection to ensure all water was removed from the fuel supply. Factors…

Water contamination of the fuel supply, and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection to ensure all water was removed from the fuel supply. Factors in the accident were a wrinkle in the wing fuel tank bladder, and snow covered terrain.

Mar 07, 1999 INYOKERN, CA N345RC Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate compensation for the variable and gusting winds during a wheel landing, which led to a loss of directional control.
Jan 23, 1999 GRANBURY, TX N52170 Incident substantial The loss of engine power due to an undetermined reason. A factor was the power lines crossing the final approach path.
Dec 03, 1998 SPRINGDALE, AR N1774C Incident substantial The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing resulting in a ground loop. A factor was the pilot's improper landing flare.
Oct 15, 1998 ANCHORAGE, AK N4955A Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were a crosswind, and loose gavel.
Sep 23, 1998 PORT HEIDEN, AK N2204C Incident substantial The pilot's inadvertent activation of the brakes during the landing roll resulting in a ground loop/swerve.
Sep 18, 1998 CHALKITSIK, AK N9407C Incident substantial The pilot's failure to identify an unsafe/hazardous condition. A factor associated with the accident was soft terrain conditions.
Sep 12, 1998 LAKESHORE, MD N6503A Incident substantial Failures of the right float's nose wheel do to a preexisting fatigue crack.
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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