N180WH

On August 19, 1998, about 1400 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 180 airplane, N180WH, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from a remote airstrip located about 65 miles southwest of Cordova, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The solo airline transport pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Cordova Airport, Cordova, about 1100.

In his written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot reported that he was attempting a southerly departure from a 1,300 feet long gravel airstrip. He stated that during the takeoff roll, midway down the airstrip, the airplane's left wheel dug into an area of soft ground. The airplane veered to the left, and the left wing struck a stand of trees that borders the airstrip. The airplane pivoted about 90 degrees to the left, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane's right wing struck the ground, and sustained substantial damage.

The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.