N3198D – CESSNA 180 – 2009-07-05 NTSB Accident Report

On July 05, 2009, a Cessna 180 (N3198D) was involved in an incident near La Grande, OR. 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 inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control.

The pilot reported that he observed an airplane approach and land on runway 30 at the uncontrolled airport. Thereafter, he proceeded to take off on the runway. He noted that the wind was nearly dead calm, according to the windsock. The pilot further stated that upon accelerating to about 35 miles per hour, he encountered a "severe wind shear" that lifted the left wing and wheel off the ground. Despite his efforts to counteract the wind effect, he lost control of his airplane. The pilot then aborted the takeoff, and the wind continued pushing the airplane sideways. The airplane swerved off the runway, encountered soft dirt, and nosed over onto its back.

This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR09CA335. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3198D.