# NTSB ANC90LA013: Cessna 180, N3654C, Port Heiden, AK, November 18, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 18, 1989, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Port Heiden, AK
- Coordinates: 56.959384, -158.579116 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=56.9594&lon=-158.5791&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 11, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5323
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC90LA013
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5323/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90LA013

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION AND FAILURE TO IDENTIFY SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - not identified, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A TREE STUMP ON THE GRAVEL BAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3654C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3654C), registered now, S/N 31152, built 1954 (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: 31152
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-R 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Lind, Elia
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,000 total, 421 in this make and model, 1,970 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 300° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 30 °F, dew point 21 °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 19891118045809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891118045809A), Nov 18, 1989: Cessna 180, Port Heiden, AK, Substantial damage. Struck a tree stump and crashed during takeoff from a gravel bar.

## Other investigations on N3654C (1)

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.

- [NTSB ANC93LA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC93LA138), Aug 8, 1993: Cessna 180 (N3654C), Anchorage, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE INADVERTENT RAISING OF THE FLAPS.

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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