No fatalities

Airspeed Indicator Anomaly Leads to Takeoff Abort and Runway Overrun

Franksville, WI, United States

On June 2, 2010, a Cessna 182A was involved in an aviation accident near Franksville, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and delay in aborting the takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, the pilot noticed an airspeed indicator anomaly, continued then aborted, overran the runway, slid down an embankment, and nosed over. Inspection found the pitot tube cover was not removed.

Accident Sequence

The pilot reported that the airspeed indicator was not displaying normal values as the airplane accelerated during the takeoff roll. After identifying the anomaly, she continued the takeoff roll for an unspecified distance before ultimately deciding to abort the takeoff. The runway surface had an accumulation of dew on the grass.

During the rejected takeoff, the airplane overran the end of the runway, slid down an embankment, and nosed over in a ravine. Both wings sustained substantial damage.

Investigation Findings

An inspection of the airplane revealed that the pilot had not removed the pitot-tube protective cover before departure.

Contributing factors

PilotIncorrect use/operation