No fatalities

1 May 2015: CESSNA 180K H — WOOD DENTON A. — PEARLAND, TX

PEARLAND, TX, United States

On 1 May 2015, a CESSNA 180K H operated by WOOD DENTON A. was involved in an aviation accident near PEARLAND, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion. 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

During takeoff roll, the pilot applied right rudder and brake to counter a left turn, causing the right main wheel to snag a ditch edge, spinning the aircraft and resulting in substantial right aileron and wing damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported an incident during the takeoff roll of an airplane. According to the pilot, as the tail began to lift, increasing amounts of right rudder were needed to maintain directional control. The pilot believed the aircraft was entering the initial stages of a ground loop.

Pilot Report

To counter the leftward movement, the pilot applied full right rudder and a "stab" of right brake. This action stopped the leftward drift, but the right main wheel then snagged the edge of a ditch, causing the airplane to spin to the right. The spin resulted in substantial damage to the right aileron and right wing.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage Assessment

The aircraft sustained substantial damage specifically to the right aileron and right wing. No other damage items were reported.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome