N2229CCessna 180 · 1953

On January 10, 2015, at 1018 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 180, N2229C, veered off the runway surface and came to rest inverted while landing at Westover Field Amador County Airport, Jackson, California. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Auburn Municipal Airport, Auburn, California, about 0900.

The pilot stated that he was conducting a personal cross-country flight. He performed several takeoffs and landings at different airports with no incidents before continuing to Westover Field Amador County Airport.

As the airplane approached the airport, the pilot noted the wind was calm. He made a pass over the airport before he entered a left traffic pattern and landing to runway 19. The pilot reported the touchdown was normal. Shortly thereafter, the airplane began to veer left. In response the pilot applied right rudder control, right brake and right aileron, and added power to increase rudder authority. Despite his efforts to regain directional control, the airplane continued off the left edge of the runway. The left main landing gear started to slide down an embankment that was adjacent to, and 6 feet lower, than the runway surface. The propeller struck the ground and the airplane slid into the embankment. It subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and tail section. The pilot stated that after he exited the aircraft, he noted that the left wheel was locked, and the right wheel was spinning.

A Federal Aviation Administration certified mechanic completed a post accident examination of the brake system. The examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that during landing immediately after touchdown the right wing lifted slightly, which caused the airplane to move a little sideways. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation but was unsuccessful. The left wing tip impacted the runway and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, vertical stabilizer, and the firewall. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures.