# NTSB DEN04CA062: Cessna 180A, N8956Q, Las Vegas, NM, April 14, 2004 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: April 14, 2004, 17:25 local (23:25 UTC) - Place: Las Vegas, NM - Coordinates: 35.654998, -105.14167 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6550&lon=-105.1417&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 30, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 59064 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN04CA062 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/59064/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04CA062 ## Probable cause the pilot's decision to takeoff in wind conditions that consisted of a quarterly tailwind and a crosswind in excess of the maximum demonstrated crosswind component, and his failure to maintain directional control. ## 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 - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - crosswind component - exceeded (contributing factor) - weather condition - tailwind - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis During the take off roll from runway 14, a gust of wind weathervaned the tail of the airplane into the wind. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over substantially damaging the airplane. The Aviation Routine Weather Report reported winds from 260 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots. At 1609, a peak wind from 270 degrees at 30 knots was recorded. According to the Cessna Pilot Operating Handbook, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component is 12 knots. The crosswind component was calculated to be a 12 to 31 knot tailwind. ## Factual narrative On April 14, 2004, at approximately 1725 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 180A, N8956Q, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during takeoff roll at Las Vegas Municipal Airport, Las Vegas, New Mexico. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant on board, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. An instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident and was en route to Colorado Springs, Colorado. According to the pilot, during the take off roll from runway 14, a gust of wind weathervaned the tail of the airplane into the wind. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over, crushing the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The 1653 Las Vegas METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report) reported winds from 260 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots. At 1609, a peak wind from 270 degrees at 30 knots was recorded. According to the Cessna Pilot Operating Handbook, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component is 12 knots. The crosswind component was calculated to be a 12 to 31 knot tailwind. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8956Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8956Q-2010-05-10), registration cancelled 2010-05-10, S/N 32776, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 180A - Registry model: [Cessna 180A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180a) (registry code 2072604) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-470-4](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-470-4) (registry code 17368, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 32776 - Airframe hours: 5139 - Engines: Continental O-470K 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, April 1, 2004, 23 hours before - Departed: LVS, Las Vegas, NM - Destination: COS, Colorado Sprgs, CO - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: LVS, Las Vegas Municipal Airport, runway 14, 8,198 × 60 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 65; injuries: none; recreational; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review February 26, 2004; seat: left; flight hours: 3,254 total, 17 in this make and model, 4 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 15 knots, gusting 25 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 18 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Observed at: LVS, 1 nm away ## 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 20040414010989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040414010989A), Apr 14, 2004: Cessna 180A, Las Vegas, NM, Substantial damage. (-23) On April 14, 2004, at 1730 MST, a Cessna 180A, N8956Q, registered to john fegaras, sustained substantial damage to both wing tips, left aileron, and tail… 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.