History of Flight
On May 27, 2011, at approximately 1014 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 180, registration N4955A, collided with terrain after a loss of control during the initial climb following takeoff from Birchwood Airport in Chugiak, Alaska. The aircraft sustained substantial damage from the impact and a subsequent postcrash fire. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight to Seldovia, Alaska. The certificated private pilot and the four passengers were killed.
Several witnesses reported seeing the airplane take off from runway 19R in a very nose-high attitude. One witness stated that the airplane departed the left side of the runway before becoming airborne, heading toward a row of trees on the east side of the airport. The airplane climbed over the trees, turned to the south, then rolled to the right and descended into the ground. Witnesses indicated that the engine sounded like it was running at full power.
A personal acquaintance of the pilot told investigators that the family was building a cabin in Seldovia and that this was likely the first trip of the year for the pilot. Another acquaintance reported flying with the pilot in May 2010, during which the pilot almost stalled the airplane on takeoff; after that flight, the acquaintance advised the pilot to get additional flight training.
Pilot Information
The pilot, age 46, held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating and a third-class medical certificate issued on May 6, 2010. His flight logbook, covering April 4, 1982, to June 12, 2010, showed 198.9 total flight hours, including 3.7 hours in a Cessna 180. Between June 10 and June 12, 2010, the pilot received instruction in the Cessna 180 and completed a flight review, as well as endorsements for tailwheel and high-performance airplane operations. No logbook entries were recorded after June 12, 2010.
There was no evidence that the pilot had met the recent flight experience requirements of 14 CFR 61.57 for carrying passengers, which mandate at least three takeoffs and three landings in the same category, class, and type within the preceding 90 days, including full-stop landings for tailwheel aircraft.
Aircraft Information
The Cessna 180 was equipped with a Continental Motors O-470-K engine rated at 230 horsepower and a two-blade McCauley propeller. The aircraft and engine had accumulated 4,908 service hours at the last annual inspection on May 1, 2010. The engine had been overhauled on June 2, 1994, and operated about 240 hours before the accident. The most recent official weight and balance documentation was not located in the aircraft records.
No mechanical anomalies were found with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The propeller exhibited impact damage consistent with a rotating engine at impact.
The estimated weight of the airplane at the time of the accident was 2,793 pounds, which exceeded the maximum takeoff gross weight of 2,550 pounds by 243 pounds. The estimated center of gravity was 42.18 inches, within the allowable range for the maximum gross weight but determined at a higher weight.
The horizontal stabilizer trim was measured at minus 5 degrees, compared to the normal takeoff trim position of minus 3.5 degrees. The fuel selector valve was found in the right main tank position. The pilot's seat was positioned approximately 22 inches forward of the aft end of the seat rail, with no evidence of seat slippage. The Cessna secondary seat stop kit had been installed, and the seat track airworthiness directive had been complied with.
Meteorological Information
The closest official weather observation station at Birchwood reported at 1016: wind from 250 degrees true at 4 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 55°F, dew point 39°F, altimeter 29.86 inHg.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane struck terrain in a rail yard about 700 yards southeast of the departure end of runway 19R. The main wreckage came to rest upright on a heading of approximately 050 degrees magnetic. Initial impact marks included propeller strikes and fiberglass pieces from the right wingtip, about 45 feet from the main wreckage. All major components were at the main wreckage site.
The fuselage was largely consumed by postcrash fire. The right wing was crushed aft and bent upward, with extensive fire damage. The left wing had leading edge damage and fire damage on the inboard half. The empennage was mostly undamaged. Control cable continuity was established to the cockpit, though flight controls could not be moved due to damage.
Tire marks on the runway showed a curved path from the left edge of runway 19R through the dirt to a point between runways 19R and 19L.
Additional Information
Postmortem examination attributed the pilot's death to severe thermal charring and blunt force injuries. Toxicology testing was negative for alcohol or drugs.
The three child passengers were seated in the rear seat, which is designed for two occupants. One passenger on the far right was restrained by a seat belt; the restraint method for the other two could not be determined. The pilot's son reported that the fuel tanks were completely filled before the flight from a personal storage tank.
The NTSB issued Safety Recommendation A-10-121 regarding separate seats and restraints for all occupants, but the FAA's subsequent clarification did not prohibit shared use of a seat and restraint system under Part 91.