CESSNA 305C (0-1E)
Big Bear City, CA — June 17, 2023
Event Information
| Date | June 17, 2023 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR23LA229 |
| Event ID | 20230620192403 |
| Location | Big Bear City, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.26378, -116.85602 |
| Airport | Big Bear City Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 305C (0-1E) |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.
Full Narrative
On June 17, 2023, at 1430 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 305C, N62TX, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Big Bear Airport (L35), Big Bear, California. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff from Big Bear Airport (L35), Big Bear, California, the airplane veered left, exited the runway, and ground looped. During the ground loop, the airplane’s right wing impacted the terrain, resulting in substantial damage.
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel head bracket flanges had fracture separated. The bracket was removed and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory, Washington, DC, for examination. Examination of the fracture faces revealed the presence of dimpled ruptures, consistent with overstress fractures in cast aluminum.
The wind at the airport about the time of the accident was reported to be calm.
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.