# NTSB DEN07CA094: Cessna 180H, N3408Y, Grand Junction, CO, May 28, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: May 28, 2007, 09:15 local (15:15 UTC) - Place: Grand Junction, CO - Coordinates: 39.117221, -108.517501 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.1172&lon=-108.5175&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report June 27, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA Flight Standards District Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 65870 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN07CA094 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/65870/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07CA094 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the take-off roll. A factor contributing to the accident was the crosswind. ## 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) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The pilot reported that he was going to perform a crosswind takeoff on runway 22 (5,502 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) and then practice stop-and-go landings on runway 11. During the take-off roll, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot reduced power and attempted to correct with right rudder. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and nosed over. The pilot estimated the winds at the time of departure to be "a direct left crosswind of about 10 knots." An examination of the airplane showed that the left wing spar was broken, the vertical stabilizer was crushed downward, and the firewall wrinkled. No other annomalies with the airplane were reported. The recorded winds at the time of the accident were 140 degrees at 11 to 15 knots. The calculated crosswind components was between 11 and 15 knots. The Cessna Pilot Operating Handbook for a Cessna 180H does not list a maximum demonstrated crosswind component. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that he was going to perform a crosswind takeoff on runway 22 (5,502 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) and then practice stop-and-go landings on runway 11. During the take-off roll, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot reduced power and attempted to correct with right rudder. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and nosed over. The pilot estimated the winds at the time of departure to be "a direct left crosswind of about 10 knots." An examination of the airplane showed that the left wing spar was broken, the vertical stabilizer was crushed downward, and the firewall wrinkled. No other annomalies with the airplane were reported. The recorded winds at the time of the accident were 140 degrees at 11 to 15 knots. The calculated crosswind components was between 11 and 15 knots. The Cessna Pilot Operating Handbook for a Cessna 180H does not list a maximum demonstrated crosswind component. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3408Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3408Y-2007-09-26), registration cancelled 2007-09-26, S/N 18051908, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 180H - Registry model: [Cessna 180H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180h) (registry code 2072618) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18051908 - Airframe hours: 3319 - Engines: Teledyne Continental O-470-R25B 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 2007 - Departed: GJT, Grand Junction, CO - Destination: GJT, Grand Junction, CO - Airport: GJT, Walker Field, runway 22, 5,502 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review October 1, 2005; seat: left; flight hours: 1,087 total, 5 in this make and model, 982 as pilot in command, 33 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 140° at 11 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 34 °F - Altimeter: 29.94 inHg - Observed at: GJT, 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 20070528010779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070528010779A), May 28, 2007: Cessna 180H, Grand Junction, CO, Destroyed. (-23) The pilot stated as he lifted tail during take off a gust of wind lifted the left wing, left aileron was applied and as the wing came down the power was… 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.