Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 180H near Gulkana, AK — 2025-07-17

Final reportANC25LA076
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Date
2025-07-17
Location
Gulkana, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 180H
Registration
N91393
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The failure of the left rudder assembly which resulted in a runway excursion and ground loop.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that immediately after touchdown he heard a “pop” or “snap,” at which point his left foot and the left rudder pedal moved fully forward to the firewall. Left rudder control was lost, and the airplane continued down the runway as the tail swung left. Unable to regain directional control, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway, ground looped, and sustained substantial damage to the left wing. A postaccident examination determined that the rudder bar assembly weld had failed at the attachment to the rudder pedal. The operator stated that the airplane is normally operated on wheel/skis, which require increased rudder pedal forces during ground operations. The operator also noted evidence of preexisting cracking along the weld that was not identified during the most recent maintenance inspection.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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