# NTSB CHI02LA207: Cessna C180A, N5359D, Ogallala, NE, July 22, 2002 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 22, 2002, 09:00 local (15:00 UTC) - Place: Ogallala, NE - Coordinates: 41.129718, -101.720397 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1297&lon=-101.7204&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 4, 2002 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviaiton Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 55293 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI02LA207 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/55293/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=55293 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02LA207 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. The open window diverting the pilot's attention was a contributing factor. ## 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 - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The airplane was substantially damaged when it ground looped during takeoff. The pilot stated that his window popped open during takeoff causing him to become distracted. He stated that the airplane started to turn right, and he was unable to regain control. ## Factual narrative On July 22, 2002, at 0900 mountain daylight time, a Cessna C180A, N5359D, operated by Harris Aerial Survey, was substantially damaged when it ground looped during takeoff from runway 13 (3,698 feet by 50 feet, asphalt) at the Searle Field Airport, Ogallala, Nebraska. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 business flight was not operating on a flight plan. The commercial pilot and passenger were uninjured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was en route to the Couer D' Alene Air Term Airport, Couer D' Alene, Idaho. The pilot stated in a written statement, "Started takeoff roll to get fuel at Scotts Bluff about 0900 at about 700 [feet] and 50 mph window poped open possibly causing momentary distraction airplane started to right and I was unable to bring it back left runway and started back to left airplane stoped before left wing hit ground [sic]" ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5359D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5359D-2017-01-09), registration cancelled 2017-01-09, S/N 50257, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna C180A - Registry model: [Cessna 180A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180a) (registry code 2072604) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 180-50257 - Engines: Continental R-0470 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Business, Part 91 - Registered owner: Harris Aerial Survey - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: OGA, Ogallala, NE - Destination: COE, Coeur D' Alene, ID - Airport: OGA, Searle Field, runway 13, 3,698 × 50 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review February 1, 2001; seat: left; flight hours: 5,289 total, 573 in this make and model, 5,268 as pilot in command, 106 in the last 90 days, 58 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 10° at 11 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 52 °F - Altimeter: 30.27 inHg - Observed at: OGA ## 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 20020722027649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020722027649A), Jul 22, 2002: Cessna 180A, Ogallala, NE, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot was attempting to takeoff on runway 13. Pilot said that the window popped open distracting him. The airplane went off the runway to the right and… ## Other investigations on N5359D (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 SEA99LA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA147), Aug 21, 1999: Cessna 180A (N5359D), Belgrade, MT, substantial damage. Probable cause: Clearance from objects was not maintained during taxiing. Factors include the pilot's inadequate visual lookout. ## Docket (1 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 23, 2002, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=55293. 330 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 330 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40463541&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.