# NTSB ANC84LA014: Cessna 180, N3311D, Montague Island, AK, November 6, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 6, 1983, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Montague Island, AK
- Coordinates: 61.620647, -148.98001 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.6206&lon=-148.9800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4255
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC84LA014
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4255/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC84LA014

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - aircraft weight and balance - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - brakes(normal) - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT GROUND LOOPED DURING TAKEOFF FROM A BEACH ON MONTAQUE ISLAND. THE ACFT HAD BEEN PARKED ON THE BEACH AND THE WATER HAD BEEN OVER THE LANDING GEAR DUE TO THE TIDE. THE PLT DID NOT CONSIDER THAT THE WET BRAKES WOULD NOT BE EFFECTIVE IF NEEDED. THERE WAS A 90 DEGREE CROSS WIND OF 12 KTS FOR THE TAKEOFF. THE PLT LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND A GROUND LOOP ENSUED ON THE WET SANDY BEACH. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE ACFT WAS EST TO BE LOADED ABOVE THE ALLOWABLEGROSS WT AND OUTSIDE THE CG RANGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3311D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3311D), registered now, S/N 32109, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180
- Registry model: [Cessna 180](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180) (registry code 2072602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32109
- Airframe hours: 3005
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-J 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joseph Mark Pendergrass
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 2, 1983, 30 hours before
- Destination: PAQ, PALMER, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 812 total, 39 in this make and model, 695 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 360° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19831106056649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831106056649A), Nov 6, 1983: Cessna 180, Montague Island, AK, Substantial damage. Ground looped after aborting an attempted beach takeoff. Brakes ineffective due to being wet. A crosswind factor.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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