Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 180A near Del Rio, TX — 2016-03-26

Final reportCEN16LA131
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Date
2016-03-26
Location
Del Rio, TX, USA
Airport
KDRT
Aircraft
CESSNA 180A
Registration
N9659B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control while departing with a gusting tailwind.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot and passenger were departing runway 31 in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the takeoff, just as the tail became airborne, the airplane veered right. The pilot was unable to correct the turn, and the airplane departed the runway. An examination of the wheels and brakes did not reveal any abnormalities. About the time of departure, the reported winds were from 130 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots. Based on the pilot's choice of runway direction and the wind conditions at the time of takeoff, it is likely that he lost control while departing with a gusting tailwind.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when the airplane began to veer right.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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