N90RW

On July 28, 2005, approximately 1145 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 180 single-engine airplane, N90RW, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during takeoff roll at the McCall Municipal Airport (MYL), McCall, Idaho. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. The airline transport pilot and his sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the planned personal cross-country flight, which was to be conducted in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight, which was destined for Driggs, Idaho, was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) submitted to the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on Runway 16 he encountered a gust of wind just prior to lift-off. The pilot stated that either the tail and left wing lifted from a gust of wind, or the right main gear collapsed. The pilot further stated that the left aileron and full back-stick were held during the takeoff roll, and "...[the] aircraft went down on [the] right wing-tip and [the] propeller and aircraft cowl hit the runway." The pilot reported that just prior to the takeoff roll the automated weather reporting facility indicated the wind was 070 degrees at 6 knots. The airplane sustained damage to the right main landing gear, the right wingtip, the propeller, and the engine cowl.