On January 11, 1982, a Cessna 180 (registration N2332C) operated by George M. Siewers was involved in an aviation accident near Saquache, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft drifting into a snowbank and sustaining substantial damage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a round-robin VFR flight, the pilot experienced a strong crosswind at takeoff from Cochetopa Strip, causing the aircraft to drift left and cartwheel.
What happened
The incident occurred during a round-robin visual flight rules (VFR) flight. The pilot had previously landed at Cochetopa Strip and shut down the engine for approximately one hour before attempting to depart.
At the time of takeoff, the pilot reported that wind conditions had deteriorated significantly. The wind velocity had increased to between 20 and 25 knots, creating almost a direct crosswind condition relative to the runway heading. As the aircraft accelerated down the strip, it drifted to the left side of the ground track.
The aircraft struck a snowbank located off the edge of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to cartwheel violently across the terrain before finally coming to rest in an inverted position on its roof.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft drifting into a snowbank and sustaining substantial damage.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Jan 1982 Cessna 180 accident near Saquache, CO?
During a round-robin VFR flight, the pilot experienced a strong crosswind at takeoff from Cochetopa Strip, causing the aircraft to drift left and cartwheel.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Jan 1982 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2332C, operated by George M. Siewers, at Saquache, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft drifting into a snowbank and sustaining substantial damage.
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