# NTSB DEN83LA128: Cessna 180B, N5259E, Decker, MT, May 28, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 27, 1983, 20:00 local (May 28, 1983, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Decker, MT
- Coordinates: 45.120018, -106.640525 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.1200&lon=-106.6405&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16085
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN83LA128
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16085/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA128

## 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
  - landing gear,main gear - incorrect (cause)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE TAILWHEEL ACFT GROUNDLOOPED ON TAKEOFF AS THE TAIL CAME UP AND THE ACFT SWERVED SHARPLY TO THE LEFT. DURING THE TURN AT ABOUT 40 MPH THE ACFT NOSED OVER. THE PILOT NOTICED A PULLING TO THE LEFT AS THE TAKEOFF ROLL COMMENCED BUT THOUGHT HE COULD CONTAIN IT SO HE CONTINUED THE TAKEOFF. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT BOTH TIRES HAD BEEN REPLACED 41 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. BOTH TIRES HAD EVIDENCE OF SCRUBBING AND FEATHERED EDGES INDICATING EEXCESSIVE TOW OUT SETTING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5259E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5259E), registered now, S/N 50559, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180B
- Registry model: [Cessna 180B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180b) (registry code 2072606) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 50559
- Airframe hours: 3264
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-K 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Marvin S. Johnson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 28, 1982, 44 hours before
- Airport: runway 18, 1,600 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 238 total, 18 in this make and model, 195 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19830527025339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830527025339A), May 27, 1983: Cessna 180B, Decker, MT, Substantial damage. Ground looped on takeoff roll. Out of rig landing gear overstressed the tires.

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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