BFO95LA068

The pilot stated that he lost directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll, resulting in an inadvertent ground loop/serve and subsequent nose over. The pilot reported that as the airplane accelerated during the takeoff ground roll, he pushed forward on the control yoke to raise the tail. He stated that the crosswind combined with strong propeller torque caused him to lose directional control. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction.

On June 20, 1995, at 1300 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 180H, N2728X, operated by New Jersey Forest Fire Service of Trenton, New Jersey, crashed during takeoff at Coyle Field, Chatsworth, New Jersey. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91.

According to the pilot, he completed the annual inspection of the airplane and was going to take the airplane on a test run around the traffic pattern. He reported that he completed his preflight inspection and engine run-up successfully. He stated that there was a frontal passage and the wind was changing direction most of the morning. He indicated that at the time of the attempted departure there was a moderate 10 to 12 knot crosswind.

The pilot reported that he applied power and initiated a takeoff roll. He stated that as the aircraft accelerated he pushed forward on the control yoke to raise the tail. He stated that a combination of the strong quartering crosswind and propeller torque resulted in a loss of directional control of the airplane. The airplane ground looped and subsequently nosed over. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction.