Cessna 180K N2785K

Summary

On 27 March 2026 at about 17:55 local time, a Cessna 180K registered N2785K, operated by Pontiac Flying LLC, was involved in an accident near Beloit, Kansas, United States. 3 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

27 March 2026 at 17:55

Classification

Accident

Location

Beloit, Kansas, United States

Nearest airport

Moritz Meml (K61)

Coordinates

39.4703, -98.1267

Aircraft

Cessna 180K

Registration

N2785K

Category

Airplane

Year built

1979

Engines

1

Operator

Pontiac Flying LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Pontiac → Beloit

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN26LA150

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing with a quartering headwind. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s runway selection based on the variable and gusting wind conditions.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that the final approach was stable; however, the winds were gusting according to the automated wind report he received during the approach to the airport. The airplane touched down on the runway centerline, and when the airplane’s tail came down, the airplane immediately began a left turn and the right wing began to lift. The pilot attempted to correct with rudder and aileron inputs along with brakes; however, the left wing tip contacted the runway and the airplane exited the right side of the runway. The left main landing gear separated, and the airplane came to rest on the edge of the runway. The left wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 36 with variable winds from 030° to 040° at 18 knots and gusting to 23 knots. The pilot stated the accident could have been prevented if he would have chosen to use the turf runway that was oriented more directly into the wind.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.