On 13 Sep 2011, a CESSNA 180 operated by HANKS DON N was involved in an aviation accident near Ambler, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff in the presence of a tailwind, which led to a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-engine aircraft experienced a runway excursion and nosed into a creek during an off-airport takeoff.
What happened
On September 13, 2011, a Cessna 180, registration N9019C, was attempting to depart from an off-airport location near Ambler, Alaska. The flight was operating under visual meteorological conditions with 10 statute mile visibility. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered a tailwind amidst variable wind conditions. This caused the takeoff roll to extend, and the pilot was unable to climb above the surrounding terrain. The aircraft subsequently struck a creek and nosed over, resulting in no injuries but causing substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and fuselage.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff in the presence of a tailwind, which led to a runway excursion.