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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 4, 1991 · Cessna 180 · N9147C

Truckee, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 4, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Truckee, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 180
Tail Number
N9147C
Operator
Mitch Legarza
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX91LA192

THE PILOT WAS DEPARTING RUNWAY 19 TO PRACTICE TOUCH AND GO TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE PILOT REPORTED ENCOUNTERING A DUST DEVIL WHICH CAUSED THE AIRPLANE TO GROUND LOOP. THE REPORTED SURFACE WINDS WERE 150 DEGREES AT 10 KNOTS GUSTING TO 16 KNOTS. THE PILOT HAD ACCRUED ONLY 15 HOURS IN THIS TAILWHEEL AIRPLANE OF WHICH 8 HOURS WERE AS PIC. THE PILOT IMPROPERLY USED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND BRAKES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.

NTSB Probable Cause

THAT THE PILOT IMPROPERLY USED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND BRAKES TO ARREST THE RUNWAY EXCURSION. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS ENCOUNTERING UNFAVORABLE WINDS, CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, AND LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS TYPE OF AIRPLANE.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT WAS DEPARTING RUNWAY 19 TO PRACTICE TOUCH AND GO TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE PILOT REPORTED ENCOUNTERING A DUST DEVIL WHICH CAUSED THE AIRPLANE TO GROUND LOOP. THE REPORTED SURFACE WINDS WERE 150 DEGREES AT 10 KNOTS GUSTING TO 16 KNOTS. THE PILOT HAD ACCRUED ONLY 15 HOURS IN THIS TAILWHEEL AIRPLANE OF WHICH 8 HOURS WERE AS PIC. THE PILOT IMPROPERLY USED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND BRAKES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 PDT
Nearest AirportTRUCKEE (0nm N)
Runway19
Runway Length4800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180
Tail NumberN9147C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMitch Legarza
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470A · Reciprocating · 225
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 10 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time21:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data