Accident Details
On October 5, 2011, at 1700 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 180J, registration N180RN, departed the left side of Runway at Hampton Roads Executive Airport (PVG), Norfolk, Virginia, and collided with a ditch during takeoff roll. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the airframe. The private pilot was uninjured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported completing an engine run-up before taxiing onto the runway. While beginning to taxi, he noticed the airplane was hard to turn. He suspected the tail wheel had not locked into position and continued turning. After aligning with the runway centerline, he pulled forward to allow the tail wheel to lock. He then applied full power for takeoff. As airspeed increased and he raised the tail, the airplane pulled to the left. The pilot initially thought the left brake was dragging but realized his foot was not on the brake. He attempted to correct with rudder, but the left main landing gear went off the left side of the runway. He immediately applied brakes and reduced power. The airplane turned 90 degrees left and headed toward a ditch, colliding before stopping.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the brakes and found both in good condition and free to turn. The brake pads had been replaced during the last annual inspection on December 3, 2010, and had 36 hours of use since installation. The brake hydraulic system could not be inspected because it was breached when the right main landing gear separated. A mechanic at an FAA repair station later found mud packed around the right axle, brake disc, and cylinder. After removing the mud and debris, the wheel was free to move with slight drag. No anomalies were noted with the brake wheel cylinder guide pins. The repair station also reported finding a nut and washer, presumably from the right main gear bolt, in the belly/gearbox area; the nut was not attached, and the threads were dirty, consistent with a nut not secured to a bolt.