NTSB Factual Report

On March 12, 2004, about 1200 Alaska standard time, a wheel-equipped Cessna 180 airplane, N7937V, sustained substantial damage following a loss of control while landing at the Birchwood Airport, Chugiak, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private certificated pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Lake Hood Airstrip, Anchorage, Alaska, about 1130.

During a telephone conversation with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator on March 12, the pilot reported that was landing on runway 1L, which required a correction for a 7 knot left crosswind. The pilot stated that after touchdown, he inadvertently allowed the airplane to veer to the right, and off the right side of the runway. The airplane's main wheels subsequently struck a snow bank, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained structural damage to the left wing, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

The pilot did not complete the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1).

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind condition during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of control, and an on ground collision with a snow bank. A factor associated with the accident was a crosswind.