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January 3, 2004 · Cessna 182G · N3102S

Taylorsville, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 3, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Taylorsville, NC
Aircraft
Cessna 182G
Tail Number
N3102S
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL04LA063

The pilot started the takeoff roll. Just before rotation, the seat slid backwards. The pilot lost directional control of the airplane, and the airplane collided with an embankment. Examination of the seat tracks revealed no elongation of the seat track holes. The Before Starting The Engine checklist states, "Seats and Seat belts-Adjust and lock."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to follow the checklist, resulting in a loss of directional control on the takeoff roll when the seat moved rearward, and on ground collision with an embankment.

Full Narrative

On January 3, 2004, at 1333 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182G, N3102S, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with an embankment on takeoff roll at Taylorsville Airport, Taylorsville, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot reported minor injuries. The flight originated from Teague-Grider Airport, Taylorsville, North Carolina, on January 3, 2003, at 1333. The pilot stated he started his takeoff roll on the west runway, and just before rotation his seat slid backwards. The pilot reported that he "lost directional control" of the airplane, and the airplane subsequently collided with an embankment. Examination of the front seats revealed both seat track rails were buckled. The seat track pin holes were measured at 0.28 inches longitudinal and sideways dimensions. Air Worthiness Directive 87-20-03R2, Seat Tracks, requires inspection of all pin holes at 100 hour intervals. Replacement of the seat rail becomes mandatory once any dimension exceed 0.42. No elongation of the seat track pin holes were noted. Review of the Cessna 182 Pilot Operating Handbook, Section I, states in the BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE checklist, "(1) Seats and Seat Belts-Adjust and lock."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:33 EST
Nearest AirportTaylorsville Airport (0nm N)
Runway270
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182G
Tail NumberN3102S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-R55B · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data