No fatalities

19 Feb 2017: CESSNA 180 H — Bally, PA

Bally, PA, United States

On 19 Feb 2017, a CESSNA 180 H was involved in an aviation accident near Bally, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions. 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 tailwheel airplane veered left and right during takeoff due to a gust of wind, exited the runway, sheared off its left main landing gear, and impacted two trees, sustaining substantial damage.

Accident Details

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and veered to the left. The pilot corrected with right rudder and left aileron, causing the airplane to veer to the right. Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway to the right. The left main landing gear sheared off, and the airplane impacted two trees.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and left wing.

Pilot Report

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

Weather Conditions

A review of local weather on the airfield about the time of the accident showed the wind was 300° at 10 knots. The pilot was departing on runway 34.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedCrosswind correction — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome