No fatalities

Aircraft Noses Over During Aborted Takeoff on Turf Runway (N5518B)

Lexington, TX, US

On July 8, 2007, a Cessna 182 (registration N5518B) was involved in an aviation accident near Lexington, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to takeoff from the unsuitable runway. Contributing to this accident was the soft terrain in the overrun area. 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

After three days of rain, a pilot attempted a soft field takeoff from a turf runway. Observing a substance resembling oil on the windscreen and a drop in oil pressure, the pilot aborted the takeoff. The aircraft exited the runway into tall grass and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. An A&P mechanic found no pre-impact anomalies and identified the residue as mud.

Incident Overview

Following three consecutive days of rain, a pilot attempted a soft field takeoff from a turf runway. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, as the airplane was "sliding" down the runway, he noticed a substance on the windscreen that resembled oil, accompanied by a subsequent decrease in engine oil pressure. In response, the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. The airplane then exited the runway, entered an area of tall grass, nosed over, and came to rest in an inverted position.

Post-Accident Examination

An Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic examined the airplane after the incident. The inspection revealed no pre-impact anomalies with the aircraft's flight controls or engine. The mechanic further stated that the residue observed on the windshield appeared to be mud, not oil. No other mechanical issues were identified.

Remarks

The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff was based on the perceived loss of oil pressure and the windshield substance. However, the subsequent examination indicated that the engine and flight controls were functioning normally at the time of the accident. The soft field takeoff technique, combined with the wet turf conditions from the preceding rain, may have contributed to the airplane's sliding behavior, though the source does not specify this as a causal factor.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jul 2007 Cessna 182 accident near Lexington, TX?

After three days of rain, a pilot attempted a soft field takeoff from a turf runway. Observing a substance resembling oil on the windscreen and a drop in oil pressure, the pilot aborted the takeoff. The aircraft exited the runway into tall grass and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. An A&P mechanic found no…

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jul 2007 Cessna 182 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jul 2007 involved a Cessna 182, registration N5518B, at Lexington, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper decision to takeoff from the unsuitable runway. Contributing to this accident was the soft terrain in the overrun area.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070813X01174. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.