On April 28, 1983, a Cessna A188B (registration N70203) was involved in an aviation accident near Winsboro, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff on a mixed-surface runway, which resulted in a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft veered sharply right during takeoff on turf, despite full left rudder and brake application, striking the ground and coming to rest in a field.
What happened
The available runway consisted of approximately 600 feet of concrete followed by a turf surface for the remaining distance. During the initial phase of the takeoff roll, the pilot raised the tail while still on the concrete section. As the aircraft continued its acceleration onto the turf portion of the strip, it began to veer sharply toward the right side.
In an attempt to regain control, the pilot applied full left rudder pressure and locked the left brake in an effort to secure the engine's operation and correct the trajectory. These corrective actions failed to restore directional control of the aircraft. The left wingtip subsequently struck the ground as the aircraft departed the runway environment. The accident ended with the aircraft coming to rest in a wheat field located west of the runway.
The investigation
The examination focused on the mechanical integrity of the flight controls and engine systems following the excursion. The pilot's account indicated that standard corrective inputs were attempted but proved ineffective due to the surface conditions and timing of the deviation.
Findings
Loss of directional control occurred during the takeoff roll after transitioning from concrete to turf.
The aircraft veered sharply to the right, necessitating maximum rudder and brake input.
The left wingtip impacted the ground before the aircraft stopped.
The final resting place was a wheat field adjacent to the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff on a mixed-surface runway, which resulted in a runway excursion.
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