On November 17, 1983, a Cessna 180A (registration N7814A) was involved in an aviation accident near Topeka, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to properly secure his seat before takeoff, which resulted in the seat sliding aft during acceleration and a subsequent loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft veered off the runway into the grass during takeoff after the pilot's seat slid backward, causing a loss of control and collapse of the main landing gear.
What happened
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft began to accelerate down the runway. The pilot reported that prior to the flight, he had adjusted his seat position but was forced to manually force the seat locking pin into place to secure it. As the aircraft gained speed, the unsecured seat slid aft toward the rear of the cabin.
This movement caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft. Unable to maintain directional control, the aircraft veered off the left side of the runway and entered the adjacent grass. Upon leaving the paved surface, the main landing gear collapsed under the stress of the off-runway operation.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to properly secure his seat before takeoff, which resulted in the seat sliding aft during acceleration and a subsequent loss of control.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Nov 1983 Cessna 180A accident near Topeka, KS?
An aircraft veered off the runway into the grass during takeoff after the pilot's seat slid backward, causing a loss of control and collapse of the main landing gear.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Nov 1983 involved a Cessna 180A, registration N7814A, at Topeka, KS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to properly secure his seat before takeoff, which resulted in the seat sliding aft during acceleration and a subsequent loss of control.
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