Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182K near Branson West, MO — 2011-10-30

Final reportCEN12LA056
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Date
2011-10-30
Location
Branson West, MO, USA
Airport
FWB
Aircraft
CESSNA 182K
Registration
N2893R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure that his seat was in a locked position before takeoff, which resulted in the seat sliding rearward and the subsequent loss of directional control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the pilot seat released and slid rearward during the takeoff roll. He said that he reduced engine power and could still reach the rudder pedals but could not actuate the brakes. Subsequently, the airplane went off the runway and struck a drainage ditch. The airplane's seat mechanism was the subject of a 2011 Airworthiness Directive, which had been complied with during the airplane's most recent annual inspection. Postaccident examination of the seat mechanism revealed no anomalies. Based on the available evidence, it is likely that the pilot failed to ensure that his seat was in a locked position before takeoff, which allowed it to slide rearward during the takeoff roll.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked seat mechanism before takeoff to ensure safety.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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