N1702C

On March 22, 2001, about 1430 Alaska standard time, a wheel-equipped Cessna 180 airplane, N1702C, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from the Soldotna Airport, Soldotna, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area instructional flight when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the flight instructor/owner. The commercial certificated pilot/flight instructor, and the certificated private pilot/student, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at the Soldotna Airport about 1400.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on March 22, 2001, the instructor pilot reported that he was providing crosswind instruction to his private pilot certificated daughter, who occupied the left seat of the airplane. During a touch and go on runway 07, the private pilot applied engine power for departure. The instructor said a left crosswind had been gusting to about 15 knots. As the airplane accelerated for takeoff, it began to veer off the right side of the runway. The instructor said he was unable to prevent the airplane from colliding with several trees along the right side of the runway. The airplane received damage to the wings, landing gear, and fuselage.

The FAA's Airport Facility Directory/Alaska Supplement indicates that runway 07 at Soldotna is 130 feet wide, and 5,000 feet long.

On March 22, at 1415, an automated weather observation system (AWOS) at Soldotna was reporting, in part: Wind, 030 degrees (true) at 9 knots, gusts to 15 knots, varying from 350 to 050 degrees; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, clear; temperature, 23 degrees F; dew point, -4 degrees F; altimeter, 30.31 inHg.

At 1435, the AWOS at Soldotna was reporting, in part: Wind, 050 degrees (true) at 7 knots, varying from 020 to 080 degrees; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, clear; temperature, 23 degrees F; dew point, -4 degrees F; altimeter, 30.31 inHg.

In the NTSB Pilot/Operator report submitted by the instructor, the report indicates the private pilot/student had accrued a total flight time of 115 hours, of which 55 hours were pilot-in-command. The form listed the student's experience in the accident airplane as a total of 19 hours, with 11 hours as pilot-in-command.