Cessna 180
Wasilla, AK — June 28, 2019
Event Information
| Date | June 28, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA378 |
| Event ID | 20190630X15847 |
| Location | Wasilla, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.48195, -149.74390 |
| Airport | Huttunen Strip |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Cessna |
| Model | 180 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 3 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the left wing striking bushes. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distorted visual perception due to his flying with one seat cushion rather than the two cushions he typically used.
Full Narrative
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he usually flies with two seat cushions, but he gave one cushion to his passenger. During the takeoff roll on the narrow grass surface private airstrip, he asserted that the missing cushion distorted his visual perception.
Using his peripheral vision, he felt the airplane had drifted to the left, so he applied right rudder and right brake. He recalled that the airplane's left wing struck bushes, but he continued the takeoff. The airplane's tail lifted, and the airplane veered left into the bushes.
Substantial damage was sustained to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.