No fatalities

Pilot Reports Loss of Lift During Takeoff, Airplane Veers Left into Ditch

Page, AZ, United States

On April 29, 2018, a CESSNA 182 P was involved in an aviation accident near Page, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a rejected takeoff in gusting quarting tailwind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, a pilot reported a loss of lift, rejected takeoff, and the airplane bounced, veered left, exited the runway, and came to rest in a shallow ditch. The left wing sustained substantial damage. No preaccident mechanical failures were reported.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during takeoff, the airplane experienced a "loss of lift." The pilot rejected the takeoff, and during the subsequent landing back on the runway, the airplane bounced and veered left. It exited the runway and came to rest in a shallow ditch.

Weight and Damage

According to the pilot, the airplane's maximum gross weight was 3,100 pounds, and the weight at the time of the accident was 3,055 pounds. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Conditions

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported conditions approximately 17 minutes before the accident: wind from 250° at 10 knots, gusting to 19 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; clear skies; temperature 26°C (79°F); dew point -16°C (3°F); altimeter setting 29.71 inches of mercury. The airplane was departing runway 15. The estimated density altitude was 6,816 feet.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationClimb capability — Not attained/maintained