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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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March 26, 2016 · Cessna 180A · N9659B

Del Rio, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 26, 2016
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Del Rio, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 180A (1957)
Tail Number
N9659B
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN16LA131

The private pilot and passenger were departing runway 31 in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the takeoff, just as the tail became airborne, the airplane veered right. The pilot was unable to correct the turn, and the airplane departed the runway. An examination of the wheels and brakes did not reveal any abnormalities. About the time of departure, the reported winds were from 130 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots. Based on the pilot's choice of runway direction and the wind conditions at the time of takeoff, it is likely that he lost control while departing with a gusting tailwind.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

On March 26, 2016, about 0900 central daylight time, a Cessna 180A airplane, N9659B, impacted terrain during an attempted departure from the Del Rio International Airport (KDRT), Del Rio, Texas. The private rated pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged during the accident. The airplane was registered to and operated a private individual, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that he started the takeoff roll on runway 31; the airplane's tail came up. The airplane then veered right and he was unable to correct the turn. The airplane departed the right side of the runway, and the airplane came to rest on its left side. An inspection by the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the wing and fuselage. In addition, the inspector did not find any evidence of a brake/wheel problem with the airplane. At 0903, the automated weather observation facility located at KDRT recorded; wind from 130 degrees at 11 knots gusting to 17 knots, 10 miles visibility, an overcast sky at 900 ft, temperature 57 degrees Fahrenheit (F), dew point 55 F, and a barometric pressure of 29.88 inches of mercury. Previously, the KDRT weather facility recorded at 0853, wind from 120 degrees at 9 knots, 10 miles visibility and overcast sky at 1000 ft. At 0823, the wind was from 110 at 5 knots, 10 miles visibility and a broken sky at 1,200 ft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 CDT
Nearest AirportDel Rio International (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length6300 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180A
Tail NumberN9659B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-470 SERIES · Reciprocating · 230

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 11 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 55
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time14:03
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data