No fatalities

5 May 2012: CESSNA 195 — Richard J Adams — Heber-Overgaard, AZ

Heber-Overgaard, AZ, United States

On 5 May 2012, a CESSNA 195 UNDESIGNAT operated by Richard J Adams was involved in an aviation accident near Heber-Overgaard, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff roll upon encountering a wind gust. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during takeoff roll, a right quartering tailwind gust forced the airplane off the left side of the runway. Correction led to crossing the runway and a ground loop to avoid a hangar. Main landing gear collapsed and a post-crash fire destroyed the airplane.

Incident Summary

According to the pilot's report, during the takeoff roll and immediately after the tail of the airplane lifted off the ground, a gust of wind from the right quartering tail direction was encountered. This gust caused the airplane to deviate from its intended path and move off the left side of the runway.

Subsequent Maneuvers

The pilot then applied corrective input to steer back to the right, but this resulted in the airplane crossing the runway, a gully, and a taxiway. Faced with the potential of colliding with a hangar, the pilot deliberately applied the right brake, inducing a ground loop.

Outcome

The ground loop led to the failure and collapse of both main landing gear. Shortly after the airplane came to a stop, a post-crash fire broke out, which ultimately destroyed the entire airplane.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotResponse/compensation