On July 26, 1992, a Cessna 180B (registration N9581B) operated by Sessions, Carl E. was involved in an aviation accident near Monroe, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT'S SEAT ASSEMBLY FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON(S) WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During the initial takeoff roll at 20 mph, the pilot's seat assembly collapsed, displacing him aft and out of reach of controls. Unable to reduce throttle, the airplane veered left, ground looped, and after pilot exit, burst into flames, destroying the aircraft.
Accident Details
During the initial takeoff roll, as the airplane accelerated to 20 mph, the pilot's seat assembly collapsed. The pilot was displaced aft from the pilot's station and found himself out of reach of the flight and throttle controls. Consequently, he could not reduce the throttle. The uncontrolled airplane veered left and ground looped.
Pilot's Account
After the pilot exited the airplane, the aircraft burst into flames. The fire destroyed the entire airplane and the left seat assembly. The failed seat component was also destroyed in the fire. In his initial report, the pilot stated that the 'seat failed to stay locked.' However, during a later telephone conversation, he reported that the right rear portion of the seat appeared to have collapsed. He did not recall that the entire seat assembly moved.
Aftermath
The accident resulted in the complete destruction of the airplane. The pilot's account provided inconsistent details regarding the seat failure, but the exact failure mechanism could not be determined due to the destruction of the seat components in the subsequent fire.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Jul 1992 Cessna 180B accident near Monroe, GA?
During the initial takeoff roll at 20 mph, the pilot's seat assembly collapsed, displacing him aft and out of reach of controls. Unable to reduce throttle, the airplane veered left, ground looped, and after pilot exit, burst into flames, destroying the aircraft.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Jul 1992 Cessna 180B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Jul 1992 involved a Cessna 180B, registration N9581B, operated by Sessions, Carl E., at Monroe, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FAILURE OF THE PILOT'S SEAT ASSEMBLY FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON(S) WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL.