On 20 Jul 2008, a Cessna 180 operated by Peter R. Smith was involved in an aviation accident near Lewistown, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and inadequate compensation for variable and gusting winds. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot lost directional control of a tailwheel-equipped airplane during the initial stages of a takeoff roll due to variable and gusting winds.
What happened
During the initial phase of the takeoff roll, the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane lost directional control of the aircraft. The incident occurred amidst variable winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots. In an attempt to regain control of the aircraft, the wing made contact with the runway surface. This impact resulted in bending damage to the main spar of the wing.
Findings
The pilot failed to maintain directional control.
There was inadequate compensation for the variable and gusting wind conditions.
Winds were variable and gusting to 25 knots at the time of the accident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and inadequate compensation for variable and gusting winds.
Contributing factors
Causes
Crosswind correction — Not attained/maintainedDirectional control — Not attained/maintained