NTSB Factual Report

On April 27, 2003, approximately 1530 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 180, N180MK, was substantially damaged when one of its wings contacted the runway during the landing roll at Tri-Cities Airport, Pasco, Washington. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured, but the aircraft, which is owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal pleasure flight, which departed Richland, Washington, about 5 minutes earlier, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. There was no report of an ELT activation.

According to the pilot, who was attempting a three-point landing on runway 12, he inadvertently let the main wheels touch first, resulting in the aircraft bouncing back into the air. Just after the aircraft touched down a second time (on all three wheels), the tower asked him if he could make a turnoff at the next taxiway. The pilot therefore looked toward the taxiway in order to determine if it was reasonable to make a turnoff there. When he refocused his attention to the runway, the aircraft was veering to the left. He therefore attempted to get it realigned with the runway, but was unable to do so. Almost immediately thereafter, the aircraft ground-looped. During the ground-loop, one wing impacted the runway, and then the aircraft tipped up onto its nose.

According to the pilot, there did not seem to be anything wrong with the aircraft's flight controls or tailwheel steering system.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate remedial action when his aircraft began to veer during the landing roll, and his ultimate failure to maintain directional control which resulted in a ground loop. Factors include the pilot's momentary diversion of his attention during the landing roll.