Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CHI96LA061

PATOKA, IN, USA

Aircraft #1

N9379T

Cessna 180C

Analysis

The pilot reported that approximately 500 feet down the grass runway during the takeoff roll, the airplane seemed to turn to the left. He applied more right rudder and the airplane lifted off. The airplane settled back down to the runway, became airborne again, and then impacted a retaining wall located alongside a highway at the departure end of the runway. The airplane traveled across the highway and hit a fence before coming to rest on a field. The pilot stated that the airplane did not have any mechanical problems, he just lost control and never fully recovered.

Factual Information

On December 17, 1995, at 1014 eastern standard time, a Cessna 180C, N9379T, piloted by the owner/operator, sustained substantial damage when it collided with a retaining wall and fence during an attempted takeoff from Hull Airport, Patoka, Indiana. The private pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The pleasure flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The intended destination was Poseyville, Indiana. The pilot reported that as he added power to start the takeoff roll on runway 18 (2600' x 100'), he applied right rudder. The pilot stated that approximately 500 feet down the grass runway, the airplane seemed to turn to the left. He applied more right rudder and the airplane lifted off. The airplane settled back to the runway, became airborne again and then impacted a retaining wall located along side a highway at the departure end of the runway. The airplane traveled across the highway and hit a fence before coming to rest on a field. The pilot stated to the FAA that the airplane did not have any mechanical problems, he just lost control and never fully recovered.

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports