Summary
On August 20, 2011, a Cessna 180A (N26CZ) was involved in an incident near Igiugig, AK. All 4 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 decision to take off in a variable wind, resulting in a shallow climb and collision with terrain.
The pilot stated that shortly after takeoff in variable wind conditions from a float pond in his float-equipped airplane, the wind shifted, and the airplane began a descent that he was unable to stop. The airplane had passed the shoreline, and descended onto the ground, where it nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. He said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident, and that he should have waited for a more favorable wind.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC11CA083. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N26CZ.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's decision to take off in a variable wind, resulting in a shallow climb and collision with terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot stated that shortly after takeoff in variable wind conditions from a float pond in his float-equipped airplane, the wind shifted, and the airplane began a descent that he was unable to stop. The airplane had passed the shoreline, and descended onto the ground, where it nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. He said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident, and that he should have waited for a more favorable wind.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC11CA083