CESSNA 180J

Schlater, MS — July 15, 2011

Event Information

DateJuly 15, 2011
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberERA11CA407
Event ID20110719X03802
LocationSchlater, MS
CountryUSA
Coordinates33.64111, -90.29278
AirportSunnyside Airstrip
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeCESSNA
Model180J
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.

Full Narrative

The pilot was attempting to depart from a 2,000-foot-long, 30-foot-wide, turf airstrip that was primarily used for agricultural airplanes. He reported that the airplane veered to the left as the tailwheel lifted off the runway during takeoff. The pilot attempted to correct by applying right rudder and retarding the throttle, but the airplane departed the runway to the left. The airplane continued off the runway and impacted a row of corn. The airplane subsequently came to rest inverted, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing. A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The pilot added that the wind was light at the time and review of recorded weather data indicated the wind speed was 4 knots. The pilot concluded that the accident could have been prevented if he had departed from a larger airport, instead of an agricultural airstrip.

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.

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