Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 195 near Big Bear, CA — 2024-05-09

Final reportWPR24LA145
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Date
2024-05-09
Location
Big Bear, CA, USA
Airport
L35
Aircraft
CESSNA 195
Registration
N2193C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a gusty crosswind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff roll, he applied control inputs to compensate for the crosswind, however, as the airplane’s tail lifted up, the airplane encountered a sudden strong crosswind gust. The airplane weather-vaned to the left, exited the runway surface and collided with the precision approach position indicator lights before it came to rest upright in an adjacent ditch. During the accident sequence, the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was departing runway 8, with wind from 050° at 6 to 10 knots gusting to 8 to 15 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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