On May 31, 1993, a Cessna 180 (registration N2790X) operated by Boe, Kenneth G. was involved in an aviation accident near Davenport, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost directional control during takeoff from a private dirt airstrip, striking ice plants before stalling and nosing over upon re-settling.
What happened
The incident occurred while an aircraft was accelerating for takeoff from a privately owned dirt airstrip. During the ground roll, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the airplane. As the aircraft began to deviate from its intended path, it collided with several ice plants situated near the runway.
Following the impact, the pilot attempted to arrest an emerging ground loop by initiating an immediate climb. Although the airplane briefly became airborne, it stalled shortly after leaving the ground. The aircraft then settled back down into the ice plants, resulting in a nose-over attitude.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.