No fatalities

26 May 2019: Cessna 180 D — Takotna, AK

Takotna, AK, United States

On 26 May 2019, a Cessna 180 D was involved in an aviation accident near Takotna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff, which resulted in impact with vegetation. 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 rotation, a tailwheel-equipped airplane veered right, causing the right wing to contact brush and the airplane to impact vegetation. Substantial damage to left wing. No mechanical failures reported.

Accident Details

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff rotation, the airplane unexpectedly veered to the right. As a result, the right wing contacted brush, and the airplane subsequently impacted vegetation. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. No further information about the aircraft or pilot was provided.

Weather Conditions

The automated weather observation station located 13 miles south/east of the airstrip reported that, around the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 5 knots. The airplane was taking off from runway 31.

Damage Assessment

Substantial damage was sustained by the left wing. No other damage details were specified.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotEffect on operation