Casualties unknown

1990-05-18: Cessna 205A (N4841U) — Cotterman, Carl J. — Piqua, OH

Piqua, OH, US

On May 18, 1990, a Cessna 205A (registration N4841U) operated by Cotterman, Carl J. was involved in an aviation accident near Piqua, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of directional control during takeoff due to gusty wind conditions. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot lost directional control during the initial roll on runway 36, causing the aircraft to depart the pavement, strike a fence, and nose over amid gusty crosswind conditions.

What happened

The pilot initiated a takeoff roll on runway 36. During the early phase of ground movement, directional control was lost. The aircraft left the paved surface, collided with a fence, and subsequently nosed over.

At approximately ten minutes prior to the incident, meteorological data from the nearest reporting station indicated winds from 310 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 27 knots.

The investigation

The examination focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control during the takeoff roll. Analysis confirmed that the aircraft departed the runway environment and impacted a fence before coming to rest in a nose-over attitude.

Findings

Contributing factors included the gusty crosswind conditions present during the takeoff attempt, which likely compromised directional stability during the critical ground roll phase.

Probable cause

Loss of directional control during takeoff due to gusty wind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23105. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.