Event LAX01LA155

Factual narrative

On April 22, 2001, at 1426 mountain standard time, a Cessna 180K, N66033, collided with a runway marker while landing in Glendale, Arizona. The airplane sustained substantial damage; however, the certificated airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The personal flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Corona, California, about 1200 Pacific daylight time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that he was making a wheel landing and was in the process of lowering the tail when the airplane drifted off the right side of runway 19. The right horizontal stabilizer struck a runway marker. The pilot added power and aborted the landing. On the second approach he landed without incident. A post accident inspection of the airplane revealed that the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator were crushed and partially separated from the empennage. The closest weather station was Phoenix Sky Harbor airport about 17 statute miles to the east of Glendale airport, and reported the winds to be 120 degrees at 4 knots. During landing the airplane collided with a runway marker sign. The pilot stated that he lost directional control due to a sudden gust of wind. The closest weather reporting station was at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport about 17 statute miles east of Glendale airport, and reported the wind to be 120 at 4 knots with no gusts. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12