Summary
On April 14, 2004, a Cessna 180A (N8956Q) was involved in an incident near Las Vegas, NM. All 1 person 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 decision to takeoff in wind conditions that consisted of a quarterly tailwind and a crosswind in excess of the maximum demonstrated crosswind component, and his failure to maintain directional control.
On April 14, 2004, at approximately 1725 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 180A, N8956Q, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during takeoff roll at Las Vegas Municipal Airport, Las Vegas, New Mexico. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant on board, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. An instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident and was en route to Colorado Springs, Colorado.
According to the pilot, during the take off roll from runway 14, a gust of wind weathervaned the tail of the airplane into the wind.
This incident is documented in NTSB report DEN04CA062. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8956Q.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's decision to takeoff in wind conditions that consisted of a quarterly tailwind and a crosswind in excess of the maximum demonstrated crosswind component, and his failure to maintain directional control.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On April 14, 2004, at approximately 1725 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 180A, N8956Q, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during takeoff roll at Las Vegas Municipal Airport, Las Vegas, New Mexico. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant on board, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. An instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident and was en route to Colorado Springs, Colorado.
According to the pilot, during the take off roll from runway 14, a gust of wind weathervaned the tail of the airplane into the wind. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over, crushing the vertical stabilizer and rudder.
The 1653 Las Vegas METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report) reported winds from 260 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots. At 1609, a peak wind from 270 degrees at 30 knots was recorded. According to the Cessna Pilot Operating Handbook, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component is 12 knots. The crosswind component was calculated to be a 12 to 31 knot tailwind.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN04CA062