On July 17, 1982, a Cessna 182E (registration N9245X) operated by William L. Barre was involved in an aviation accident near Taplin, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left wheel pant became filled with cut grass during takeoff, locking the wheel and causing the aircraft to veer left. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff on a recently mowed sod runway, the left wheel pant filled with cut grass, locking the wheel. The aircraft veered left, the left wing struck low trees, and the nosewheel dropped into a rut/stream, causing the plane to tip onto its right wing.
Factual Summary
A pilot reported that the sod runway used for takeoff had just been mowed. During the takeoff roll, cut grass accumulated inside the left wheel pant, locking the wheel. This caused the aircraft to veer left. The left wing then contacted low trees at the edge of the runway, which exacerbated the leftward turn. Subsequently, the nosewheel dropped into a rut or stream, and the airplane tipped over onto its right wing.
Sequence of Events
The incident began during the takeoff roll on a recently mowed grass surface. The left wheel pant became filled with cut grass, which locked the wheel and prevented normal rotation. As a result, the aircraft deviated from its intended path and turned left. The left wing struck low trees bordering the runway, increasing the turn to the left. The nosewheel then fell into a rut or stream, causing the aircraft to tip onto its right wing. The pilot stated these events as the description of the occurrence.
Probable cause
The left wheel pant became filled with cut grass during takeoff, locking the wheel and causing the aircraft to veer left.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Jul 1982 Cessna 182E accident near Taplin, WV?
During takeoff on a recently mowed sod runway, the left wheel pant filled with cut grass, locking the wheel. The aircraft veered left, the left wing struck low trees, and the nosewheel dropped into a rut/stream, causing the plane to tip onto its right wing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Jul 1982 involved a Cessna 182E, registration N9245X, operated by William L. Barre, at Taplin, WV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The left wheel pant became filled with cut grass during takeoff, locking the wheel and causing the aircraft to veer left.