Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, by failure to survey the takeoff area, and his delay in aborting the takeoff. Upsloping terrain and high vegetation in the takeoff area were related factors.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On May 18, 1997, about 1630 eastern daylight time, a Cessna C-182G-460, N3182S, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, was substantially damaged during the takeoff roll from a field near Spartanburg, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated that while on the takeoff roll, he realized that he was unable to become airborne due to a slow airspeed. The pilot intentionally ground looped the aircraft to avoid colliding with obstructions ahead. Examination of the field revealed upsloping terrain with unmowed grass up to 2 feet in height and a field length of 1,000 feet. The pilot further stated that if he had surveyed the area prior to the flight, the accident would not have occurred.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA97LA169