Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On February 10, 2002, at 1200 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 180, N9386C, ground looped during takeoff from a dry lakebed runway near Jean, Nevada. The private-certificated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The local area, personal flight was operated by the owner under 14 CFR Part 91, and departed from Henderson airport, Las Vegas, Nevada, at 1130. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.
The pilot told the Safety Board investigator he was conducting a local area flight and intended to make a stop-and-go landing on the dry lakebed at Jean. After landing and bringing the airplane to a stop, he made a practice short-field takeoff with the first notch of flaps extended. He believed that the airplane encountered a dust devil during the takeoff roll and a ground loop ensued.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX02LA086