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Porpoising During Takeoff Results in Nose Gear Collapse (N1815X)

Nashville, TN, US

On March 17, 1995, a Cessna 182 (registration N1815X) was involved in an aviation accident near Nashville, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's flight control inputs resulted in a series of porpoises after the airplane had climbed about eight feet above the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During a takeoff attempt, pilot flight control inputs caused the airplane to porpoise after climbing about eight feet. On the fourth oscillation, the nose wheel and propeller assemblies struck the paved runway, collapsing the nose gear. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Overview

A takeoff attempt resulted in contact between the aircraft's nose wheel and propeller with the runway surface, leading to the collapse of the nose gear. The event occurred when the pilot's flight control inputs caused the airplane to porpoise after it had climbed approximately eight feet above the ground.

Incident Details

According to the pilot, the porpoising motion consisted of a series of oscillations. During the fourth oscillation, the nose wheel and propeller assemblies struck the paved runway surface. The impact subsequently caused the nose gear to collapse. The aircraft was at a low altitude during the sequence, having only climbed about eight feet before the porpoising began.

Examination

Examination of the aircraft failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction or component failure. No anomalies were noted in the flight control system or landing gear assembly.

Probable cause

The pilot's flight control inputs resulted in a series of porpoises after the airplane had climbed about eight feet above the ground.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 182 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Mar 1995 Cessna 182 accident near Nashville, TN?

During a takeoff attempt, pilot flight control inputs caused the airplane to porpoise after climbing about eight feet. On the fourth oscillation, the nose wheel and propeller assemblies struck the paved runway, collapsing the nose gear. No mechanical malfunction was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Mar 1995 involved a Cessna 182, registration N1815X, at Nashville, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's flight control inputs resulted in a series of porpoises after the airplane had climbed about eight feet above the ground.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03069. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.