# NTSB DFW06CA185: Cessna 120, N2591N, Rockwall, TX, July 15, 2006 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: July 15, 2006, 10:00 local (15:00 UTC) - Place: Rockwall, TX - Coordinates: 32.8138888888889, -96.3519444444444 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.8139&lon=-96.3519&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 31, 2006 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 64140 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW06CA185 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64140/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06CA185 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to compensate for existing wind conditions. A contributing factor was the prevailing 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 - compensation for wind conditions - not attained, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - Nose over, takeoff - roll/run ## Analysis The 255-hour non-instrument rated private pilot, who reported to have accumulated 25-hours in the same make and model, reported that the tailwheel-equipped airplane drifted-off the left side of the 2,630-foot long by 30-foot wide asphalt runway during the takeoff roll on Runway 13. The pilot reported that soon after the tail came up during the takeoff roll, the airplane experienced an uncommanded "lurch" to the left, which he was unable to correct with the opposite rudder and aileron. The pilot added that as soon as the airplane entered the grassy area adjacent to the runway, he closed the throttle and held the elevator in the full aft position to keep the tailwheel on the ground. Subsequently, the pilot became aware of two drainage ditches crossing perpendicular to his intended path. The airplane had enough speed to cross the first ditch; however, the main landing gear collided with the second ditch resulting in a nose over. The airplane came to rest in the inverted position. On the recommendation block of his report, the pilot stated that there was a stand of trees on the right side of the runway, which may have caused the wind to push the airplane to the left just as the plane rolled past the tree line. The FAA inspector, who traveled to the accident site, confirmed that the airplane sustained structural damage. The inspector was able to establish flight control continuity and did not find any pre-existing mechanical malfunctions. At the time of the mishap, the winds were reported from 180 degrees at 10 knots. ## Factual narrative The 255-hour non-instrument rated private pilot, who reported to have accumulated 25-hours in the same make and model, reported that the tailwheel-equipped airplane drifted-off the left side of the 2,630-foot long by 30-foot wide asphalt runway during the takeoff roll on Runway 13. The pilot reported that, soon after the tail came up during the takeoff roll, the airplane experienced an uncommanded "lurch" to the left, which he was unable to correct with the opposite rudder and aileron. The pilot added that as soon as the airplane entered the grassy area adjacent to the runway, he closed the throttle and held the elevator in the full aft position to keep the tailwheel on the ground. Subsequently, the pilot became aware of two drainage ditches crossing perpendicular to his intended path. The airplane had enough speed to cross the first ditch; however, the main landing gear collided with the second ditch resulting in a nosed-over. The airplane came to rest in the inverted position. On the recommendation block of his report, the pilot stated that there was a stand of trees on the right side of the runway, which may have caused the wind to push the airplane to the left just as the plane rolled past the tree line. The FAA inspector, who traveled to the accident site, confirmed that the airplane sustained structural damage. The inspector was able to establish flight control continuity and did not find any pre-existing mechanical malfunctions. At the time of the mishap, the winds were reported from 180 degrees at 10 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2591N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2591N-2020-10-03), registration cancelled 2020-10-03, S/N 12851, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 120 - Registry model: [Cessna 120](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-120) (registry code 2071402) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 12851 - Airframe hours: 4000.2 - Engines: Continental C85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Brady K. Richard - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 2005 - Departed: 1F7, Rockwall, TX - Airport: 1F7, Airpark East, runway 13, 2,630 × 30 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 66; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review September 1, 2005; seat: left; flight hours: 255 total, 25 in this make and model, 143 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 10 knots - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 73 °F - Altimeter: 29.93 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 20060715025709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060715025709A), Jul 15, 2006: Cessna 120, Dallas, TX, Substantial damage. (-23) Taxied onto runway 13 in preparation for takeoff. Performed all preflight runup checks. Temp about 90, wind ssw @ about 7-9 mph, no clouds, clear.… 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.