Early models of the Cessna 180 were sometimes called the widowmaker, because they were usually flown by very inexperienced pilots, 150 - 200 hours total time, who sometimes got themselves into situations over their heads. The early seaplane versions were equipped with the Edo 2600 floats instead of the later 2870's, thus the fact they were also underfloated may have contributed to the unfortunate moniker. Finally, before they figured out the seaplane version needed a windshield brace, it was not unknown for the windshield to pop out when alighting in rough water.
