Event CHI96LA009

Factual narrative

On October 15, 1995, at 1540 pacific daylight time (pdt), a Cessna 180R, N3698C, was substantially damaged while landing at Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington. The pilot reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight originated from Camas, Washington, at 1440 pdt. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident and a VFR flight plan was on file. In a detailed written statement, the pilot reported the approach to landing on runway 13R was normal with correction inputs to maintain runway centerline. The pilot stated that while the airplane was on final approach, ATIS was reporting the winds from 170 degrees at 8 knots. He had also heard a wind check transmission from the control tower reporting the winds from 170 variable to 270 degrees at 14 knots. The control tower also reported the winds as gusting, but the remainder of this transmission was cut off by another airplane transmitting on the same frequency. The pilot stated that approximately 100 feet AGL, the airplane's VSI went full scale down. He immediately applied full power but a high sink rate began. The pilot stated directional control was maintained, but touchdown was unavoidable. The airplane touched down with full aileron and full rudder correction to stop the drift. The pilot reported that he decided that a go around would not be possible without loosing directional control of the airplane because the rudder was at its limit. The pilot stated that as the airplane slowed during the landing roll, the horizontal stabilizer lost authority at full travel. The airplane's tail dropped and the left wing impacted the runway. The pilot reported the approach to landing was normal with correction inputs to maintain runway centerline due to the crosswind. ATIS was reporting the winds from 170 degrees at 8 knots. The pilot stated that approximately 100 feet AGL, the airplane's vertical speed indicator went full scale down. He immediately applied full power, but a high sink rate began. The pilot stated the airplane touched down on the runway with full aileron and full rudder correction to stop the drift. The left wing impacted the runway before the airplane came to rest. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12