No fatalities

8 Nov 2019: Cessna 180 J — Tyler, TX

Tyler, TX, United States

On 8 Nov 2019, a Cessna 180 J was involved in an aviation accident near Tyler, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misread the windsock and applied the wrong wind correction during takeoff. 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 ground looped and nosed over during takeoff after the pilot misread the windsock and applied incorrect wind correction.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported that during takeoff in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, he turned the yoke to the right to compensate for a perceived quartering headwind. As the tail lifted, the right wing dipped. The pilot attempted to correct by trying to lift off, but the right wheel remained in contact with the ground. The airplane subsequently ground looped, exited the runway to the left, and nosed over.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that while taking off, he misread the windsock and applied the wrong wind correction. He noted that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and vertical stabilizer.

Weather Conditions

According to the airport's automated weather observation station, around the time of the accident, the wind was from 010° at 9 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 13.

Probable cause

The pilot misread the windsock and applied the wrong wind correction during takeoff.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotEffect on operation