On October 13, 2001, a Cessna 182P (registration N20877) was involved in an aviation accident near Sulfur Creek, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff. Factors include the pilot's excessive rotation attitude, and soft/wet terrain conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, the pilot over-rotated, causing a tail strike. He maintained the pitch attitude, then aborted. During the abort, the aircraft drifted, main gear hit soft terrain, and the nose wheel sank, leading to a nose-over.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, the pilot rotated the aircraft excessively. This over-rotation caused the tail cone to strike the runway surface. The pilot continued to hold the aircraft in this nose-high attitude as it proceeded down the runway.
Abort and Excursion
The pilot eventually became convinced that a safe takeoff could not be ensured if the roll continued. He decided to abort the takeoff. While aborting, the pilot allowed the aircraft to drift to the side of the runway. One of the main landing gear then encountered soft terrain adjacent to the runway surface. After contacting the soft ground, the aircraft veered off the runway. The nose wheel subsequently encountered soft and wet terrain conditions. Shortly thereafter, the nose wheel sank into the ground, causing the aircraft to nose over.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Oct 2001 Cessna 182P accident near Sulfur Creek, ID?
During takeoff, the pilot over-rotated, causing a tail strike. He maintained the pitch attitude, then aborted. During the abort, the aircraft drifted, main gear hit soft terrain, and the nose wheel sank, leading to a nose-over.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Oct 2001 Cessna 182P accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Oct 2001 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N20877, at Sulfur Creek, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff. Factors include the pilot's excessive rotation attitude, and soft/wet terrain conditions.