What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-08-27 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2443C, at Cameron Park, CA.

Seat Sliding During Takeoff Leads to Runway Excursion and Gear Collapse (N2443C)

On August 27, 2000, a Cessna 180 (registration N2443C) was involved in an aviation accident near Cameron Park, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to verify the seat latch was secure, resulting in the pilot's inability to reach the flight controls necessary to maintain directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During takeoff, the pilot's seat slid backward, causing loss of rudder control. The airplane veered left, departed the runway, turned 270 degrees, and collapsed the right main landing gear.

Incident Overview

A pilot experienced a loss of control during takeoff when the seat slid backward after takeoff power was applied. The airplane had a secondary friction lock designed to prevent seat movement, but it only halted the slide momentarily before the seat continued moving aft. The pilot responded by reducing power, but the airplane began to drift left. Unable to reach the rudder pedals, the pilot could not correct the deviation.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane continued to drift left, it departed the left side of the runway. After leaving the runway surface, the airplane executed a turn of approximately 270 degrees. During this maneuver, the right main landing gear collapsed. The incident ended with the airplane coming to rest off the runway.

Damage

The right main landing gear collapsed during the ground excursion. Additional damage may have occurred, but the report does not specify details beyond the gear collapse.

Probable Cause

The report does not state a probable cause for the incident.

2000-08-27: Cessna 180 (N2443C) — Cameron Park, CA