Summary
On July 22, 2002, a Cessna C180A (N5359D) was involved in an incident near Ogallala, NE. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. The open window diverting the pilot's attention was a contributing factor.
On July 22, 2002, at 0900 mountain daylight time, a Cessna C180A, N5359D, operated by Harris Aerial Survey, was substantially damaged when it ground looped during takeoff from runway 13 (3,698 feet by 50 feet, asphalt) at the Searle Field Airport, Ogallala, Nebraska. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 business flight was not operating on a flight plan. The commercial pilot and passenger were uninjured.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CHI02LA207. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5359D.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. The open window diverting the pilot's attention was a contributing factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 22, 2002, at 0900 mountain daylight time, a Cessna C180A, N5359D, operated by Harris Aerial Survey, was substantially damaged when it ground looped during takeoff from runway 13 (3,698 feet by 50 feet, asphalt) at the Searle Field Airport, Ogallala, Nebraska. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 business flight was not operating on a flight plan. The commercial pilot and passenger were uninjured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was en route to the Couer D' Alene Air Term Airport, Couer D' Alene, Idaho.
The pilot stated in a written statement, "Started takeoff roll to get fuel at Scotts Bluff about 0900 at about 700 [feet] and 50 mph window poped open possibly causing momentary distraction airplane started to right and I was unable to bring it back left runway and started back to left airplane stoped before left wing hit ground [sic]"
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI02LA207