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Takeoff Deviation Leads to Nose Wheel Collapse and Nose-Over (N8923T)

Adalanto, CA, US

On February 15, 1989, a Cessna 182C (registration N8923T) was involved in an aviation accident near Adalanto, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT WAS INATTENTIVE, DID NOT MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH THE RUNWAY AND DID NOT MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT DURING TAKEOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, an airplane veered left off the centerline, causing the nose wheel to collapse and the aircraft to nose over. The pilot later noted the left wing struck a small tree and admitted to hurrying the departure.

Accident Overview

During the takeoff ground run, the airplane traveled two to three feet off the centerline. The pilot did not correct the situation, and the airplane suddenly veered sharply to the left. The nose wheel collapsed, and the airplane nosed over.

Evacuation and Subsequent Observations

After the pilot and passengers evacuated the airplane, the pilot noted that the left wing had contacted a small tree on the side of the road. The pilot stated that he did not see the tree during the takeoff.

Pilot Comments

The pilot indicated that he was using a road next to the runway for the takeoff and that he had hurried his departure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Feb 1989 Cessna 182C accident near Adalanto, CA?

During takeoff, an airplane veered left off the centerline, causing the nose wheel to collapse and the aircraft to nose over. The pilot later noted the left wing struck a small tree and admitted to hurrying the departure.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Feb 1989 Cessna 182C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Feb 1989 involved a Cessna 182C, registration N8923T, at Adalanto, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT WAS INATTENTIVE, DID NOT MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH THE RUNWAY AND DID NOT MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT DURING TAKEOFF.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27754. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.