Aircraft nosed over during takeoff from off-airport site

Casualties unknown • Kotzebue, AK, US

A Swiss pilot experienced a loss of directional control during the early stages of a takeoff roll, resulting in a nose-over at an off-airport location.

What happened

A Swiss pilot was attempting to depart toward the southeast from an off-airport site measuring 1,700 feet in length. During the initial stages of the takeoff roll, the airplane began to veer toward the left. In an effort to maintain the centerline, the pilot applied full right rudder; however, the aircraft continued moving off the left side of the departure area. The aircraft then pivoted 90 degrees to the left and underwent a nose-over.

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's fuselage, wings, and lift struts. At the time of the event, wind conditions were reported as 10 knots from the southeast. The pilot was not injured.

The investigation

The investigation noted that the aircraft had been recently retrofitted with oversized tundra tires. Prior to the accident, there were no reported mechanical anomalies regarding the operation of the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-06-21 Cessna 180K accident near Kotzebue, AK?

A Swiss pilot experienced a loss of directional control during the early stages of a takeoff roll, resulting in a nose-over at an off-airport location.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-06-21 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N2958K, at Kotzebue, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18916. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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