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July 8, 2007 · Cessna 182 · N5518B

Lexington, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 8, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Lexington, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 182
Tail Number
N5518B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW07LA179

Following three days of rain, the pilot attempted a soft field takeoff from a turf runway. The pilot reported that as the airplane was "sliding" down the runway he observed something on the windscreen that resembled oil, followed by a decrease in engine oil pressure. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff and the airplane exited the runway into tall grass before it nosed-over and came to a rest in an inverted position. An Airframe and Powerplant mechanic (A&P) examined the airplane. The examination revealed no pre-impact anomalies with the airplanes flight controls or engine. The mechanic stated that the residue on the windshield appeared to be mud.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to takeoff from the unsuitable runway. Contributing to this accident was the soft terrain in the overrun area.

Full Narrative

On July 8, 2007, about 0930 central daylight time, a single-engine Cessna 182 airplane, N5518B, was substantially damaged following an aborted takeoff from the Lexington Airfield (TE75), near Lexington, Texas. The commercial pilot and the two skydiving passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Austin Skydiving, Inc., of Lexington, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial drop flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The accident was reported by local law enforcement personnel on July 24, 2007. According to the pilot, age 22, following three days of rain, he attempted a soft field takeoff from runway 17 (a 3,300-foot long by 150-foot wide turf runway). The pilot reported that as the airplane was "sliding" down the runway he observed something on the windscreen that resembled oil, followed by a decrease in engine oil pressure. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff and reduced the engine's power to idle. With the end of the runway approaching, the pilot applied the airplane's brakes and full-up elevator in an attempt to keep the nose landing gear out of the soft soil. The airplane exited the runway into tall grass before it nosed-over and came to a rest in an inverted position. The pilot and passengers were able to exit the airplane unassisted. The pilot reported that the airplane's engine firewall, right wing strut, both wings and the vertical stabilizer sustained structural damage during the mishap. An Airframe and Powerplant mechanic (A&P) examined the airplane. The mechanic reported that the examination revealed no pre-impact anomalies with the airplane's flight controls or engine. The mechanic further stated that the residue on the windshield appeared to be mud. At 0925, an automated weather observation facility located approximately 12 nautical miles from the accident site reported winds from 200 degrees at 7 knots, 8 statute miles visibility, scattered clouds at 800 feet, scattered clouds at 1,200 feet, temperature 77 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 73 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure of 30.00 inches of Mercury.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 CDT
Nearest AirportLexington Airfield (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length3300 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182
Tail NumberN5518B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470 · Reciprocating · 230
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 22 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 7 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:25
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data