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NTSB Report

October 29, 2000 · Cessna 182S · N7279B

French Valley, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 29, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
French Valley, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 182S
Tail Number
N7279B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX01LA031

The pilot stated that he was to practice short field takeoff procedures for use during trips to Mexico. A flight instructor/examiner was with him as a passenger. They departed on runway 18, following the FAA approved information manual procedure for short field takeoffs. The first takeoff was a rolling start using 20 degrees of flaps, full power, and the yoke all the way back. After liftoff, the instructor/examiner suggested that he level off and land on the remaining runway, which they did. The second takeoff was from a full stop at the beginning of the runway. The pilot said he powered up the engine with the flaps set at 20 degrees and the control yoke full back, and he released the brakes. At rotation the tail tie down ring and tail cone contacted the runway and the airplane pitched up so steeply that he gave control to the instructor/examiner. He stated that the instructor yelled, 'I don't have control.' The airplane rolled off onto the right wing hitting the runway then quartered forward onto the left wing and nose just off of the runway. The Cessna 182S information manual for short field takeoff calls for wing flaps 20 degrees, brakes applied, full power and 2,400 rpm, lean mixture to obtain maximum power fuel flow placard value, release brakes, and elevator control to maintain 'slightly tail low attitude.' Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the flaps were in the up position at the time of ground impact.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to follow procedures and directives contained in the information manual. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor examiner/passenger's inattention to the sequence of events.

Full Narrative

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On October 29, 2000, about 1300 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 182S, N7279B, operated by the private pilot/owner, was substantially damaged during takeoff at French Valley, California. Neither the owner/pilot nor the flight instructor/examiner pilot was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight operating under 14 CFR Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated about 1245 as a local training/proficiency flight. The pilot stated that he was to practice short field takeoff procedures for use during trips to Mexico. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified flight instructor/examiner was with him. They departed on runway 18, following the FAA approved information manual procedure for short field takeoffs. The first takeoff was a rolling start using 20 degrees of flaps, full power, and the yoke all the way back. After liftoff, the instructor/examiner suggested that he level off and land on the remaining runway, which they did. The second takeoff was from a full stop at the beginning of the runway. The pilot said he powered up the engine, and with the flaps set at 20 degrees and the control yoke full back, he released the brakes. At rotation he said the tail tie down ring and tail cone contacted the runway and the airplane pitched up so steeply that he gave control to the instructor/examiner. He stated that the instructor yelled, "I don't have control." The airplane rolled off onto the right wing, and then quartered forward onto the left wing and nose. During the postaccident examination of the airplane the elevator trim tab actuator was measured to have 1.25 inches of shaft extension. According to Cessna engineering information, 1.27 inches is considered to be the zero or neutral position. According to the Cessna 182S Information Manual, Section 4 Normal Procedures: SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF 1) Wing Flaps-20 degrees. 2) Brakes-APPLY. 3) Power-FULL THROTTLE and 2400 RPM. 4) Mixture-Lean to obtain Maximum Power Fuel Flow placard value. 5) Brakes-RELEASE. 6) Elevator Control-MAINTAIN SLIGHTLY TAIL LOW ATTITUDE. 7) Climb Speed-58 KIAS (until all obstacles are cleared). 8) Wing Flaps-RETRACT slowly after reaching 70 KIAS. In his written report, the pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions. The instructor/examiner failed to return a written report.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 PST
Nearest AirportFrench Valley (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length4600 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182S
Tail NumberN7279B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AB1A5 · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data