No fatalities

6 Jun 2015: CESSNA 180B — RICKENBACH BROTHERS AVIATION LLC — Waterloo, IA

Waterloo, IA, United States

On 6 Jun 2015, a CESSNA 180B operated by RICKENBACH BROTHERS AVIATION LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Waterloo, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The incorrect installation of the secondary seat stop reel prevented the primary seat adjustment mechanism from fully engaging into the holes in the seat rail. 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's seat slid aft, preventing control pedal access. The aborted takeoff resulted in a ground loop, causing substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer, wing, and aileron.

Accident Sequence

During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the seat slid to its full aft position. This prevented the pilot from reaching the control pedals. In response, the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff. However, without the ability to control the airplane, it yawed left and entered a ground loop. The ground loop resulted in substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer, right wing, and right aileron.

Postaccident Examination

A postaccident examination was conducted by the NTSB Investigator-in-Charge and Textron Aviation. The examination revealed that the secondary seat stop reel was not installed according to the manufacturer's guidelines. This incorrect installation prevented the primary seat adjustment mechanism from fully engaging into the holes in the seat rail. The failure of the primary seat adjustment mechanism allowed the seat to slide aft during the takeoff roll.

Probable cause

The incorrect installation of the secondary seat stop reel prevented the primary seat adjustment mechanism from fully engaging into the holes in the seat rail.

Contributing factors

Incorrect service/maintenanceMaintenance personnel