N1560CCessna 1802007-08-25 NTSB Accident Report

Destroyed
None

Cessna 180S/N: 30260

Summary

On August 25, 2007, a Cessna 180 (N1560C) was involved in an incident near Skwentna, AK. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during takeoff initial climb, which resulted in the airplane descending uncontrolled into high vegetation. Factors contributing to the accident were wind gusts and a crosswind.

The private certificated pilot was taking off from an unimproved, off-airport site in a tailwheel-equipped airplane under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that he was taking off in gusty crosswind conditions, and a gust "caught the left wing pushing me to the ground." He also said the right landing gear wheel caught in the brush, pulling the airplane to the ground. The airplane impacted the ground, rolled onto its left side, and was destroyed by a postcrash fire.

This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC07CA084. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N1560C.

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, August 25, 2007
NTSB Number
ANC07CA084
Location
Skwentna, AK
Event ID
20070920X01420
Coordinates
62.505001, -152.843338
Nearest Airport
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during takeoff initial climb, which resulted in the airplane descending uncontrolled into high vegetation. Factors contributing to the accident were wind gusts and a crosswind.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
30260
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1953
Model / ICAO
180C180
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
KOWALSKI RONALD W
Address
PO BOX 672358
Status
Deregistered
City
CHUGIAK
State / Zip Code
AK 99567-2358
Country
United States

Analysis

The private certificated pilot was taking off from an unimproved, off-airport site in a tailwheel-equipped airplane under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that he was taking off in gusty crosswind conditions, and a gust "caught the left wing pushing me to the ground." He also said the right landing gear wheel caught in the brush, pulling the airplane to the ground. The airplane impacted the ground, rolled onto its left side, and was destroyed by a postcrash fire.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC07CA084