NTSB ANC25LA049 — 2025-06-08 · Flagstaff, Arizona, United States

Current FAA registration · N605NB

Make / Model: CESSNA 180J
Year of manufacture: 1976 · 49 years old at event
Engine: CONT MOTOR O-470 SERIES (230 hp)
Seats / Engines: 6 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date: 19760712
ADS-B equipped: Yes — Mode-S A7DB00

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

N605NB Cessna 180J None

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in variable and gusty wind, which resulted in a ground loop.

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, during takeoff in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, in variable and gusty wind conditions, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot attempted to correct by applying opposite rudder and brakes and subsequently aborted the takeoff. During the aborted takeoff, the airplane ground looped to the right which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

— Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Attain/maintain not possible
— Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
— Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Contributed to outcome
— Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Variable wind-Effect on operation

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2025_ANC25LA049.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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