Summary
On June 17, 2023, a Cessna 305C (0-1E) (N62TX) was involved in an incident near Big Bear City, CA. 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 failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.
On June 17, 2023, at 1430 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 305C, N62TX, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Big Bear Airport (L35), Big Bear, California. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff from Big Bear Airport (L35), Big Bear, California, the airplane veered left, exited the runway, and ground looped. During the ground loop, the airplane’s right wing impacted the terrain, resulting in substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel head bracket flanges had fracture separated.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR23LA229. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N62TX.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 17, 2023, at 1430 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 305C, N62TX, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Big Bear Airport (L35), Big Bear, California. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff from Big Bear Airport (L35), Big Bear, California, the airplane veered left, exited the runway, and ground looped. During the ground loop, the airplane’s right wing impacted the terrain, resulting in substantial damage.
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel head bracket flanges had fracture separated. The bracket was removed and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory, Washington, DC, for examination. Examination of the fracture faces revealed the presence of dimpled ruptures, consistent with overstress fractures in cast aluminum.
The wind at the airport about the time of the accident was reported to be calm.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR23LA229