On March 28, 1989, a Cessna 180 (registration N4756B) was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and the subsequent failure of the right main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft departed the runway to the left during an aborted takeoff due to uncontrollable yaw, resulting in failure of the right main landing gear.
What happened
Prior to initiating the takeoff roll, the pilot observed that the wind conditions were variable at 10 knots. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, it began to veer to the left. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control by applying rudder and brake inputs, but these corrections proved ineffective. Consequently, the pilot reduced power and aborted the takeoff. Despite the abort, the aircraft continued off the left side of the runway, which led to the failure of the right main landing gear.
The investigation
Post-accident observations indicated that the wind had shifted to come from the north with gusts reaching 15 knots. This change in wind conditions may have contributed to the directional control issues experienced during the high-speed ground roll.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and the subsequent failure of the right main landing gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Mar 1989 Cessna 180 accident near Boulder, CO?
Aircraft departed the runway to the left during an aborted takeoff due to uncontrollable yaw, resulting in failure of the right main landing gear.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Mar 1989 Cessna 180 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Mar 1989 involved a Cessna 180, registration N4756B, at Boulder, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and the subsequent failure of the right main landing gear.
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