# NTSB ERA14CA365: Cessna 182B, N2275G, Clayton, GA, July 27, 2014 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: July 27, 2014, 16:45 local (20:45 UTC) - Place: Clayton, GA - Coordinates: 34.832778, -83.409721 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.8328&lon=-83.4097&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 2, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 89762 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA14CA365 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89762/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89762 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA365 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a tree and then obstacles during the subsequent aborted takeoff. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182B, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2072706), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182B, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=2072706), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna 182B, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=2072706), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: debris/dirt/foreign object](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022055): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna 182B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022055/cases.md?model=2072706), [All aircraft, 101 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022055/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna 182B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=2072706), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Cessna 182B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=2072706), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 182B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=2072706), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Cessna 182B, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=2072706), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 182B, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2072706), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he taxied to the approach end of runway 09, which is the designated runway for departures at this airfield due to "rapidly rising terrain to the immediate west of the field." At the time the wind was less than 3 knots and out of the southwest. The pilot initiated a soft field takeoff with some right rudder input to accommodate the runway's slight "dogleg right" as well as the prevailing wind conditions. After reaching about one quarter of the runway length the pilot encountered an "unexpected significant gust of wind." He applied full right rudder to arrest any left drift, which appeared to successfully counteract the wind gust. While flying less than a foot above the runway, the pilot glanced to his left at a fast approaching tree, which he dismissed as a factor. He then focused his attention forward and the left wingtip collided with a tree causing the airplane to yaw to the left. The airplane main landing gear touched down on the runway surface and the pilot aborted the takeoff. He applied maximum braking, but the airplane collided with a group of pallets and debris resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the wind at Toccoa Airport-RG Letourneau Field, located 15 nautical miles south of the accident airport, was reported from 250 at 9 knots gusting to 19 knots. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that he taxied to the approach end of runway 09, which is the designated runway for departures at this airfield due to "rapidly rising terrain to the immediate west of the field." At the time the wind was less than 3 knots and out of the southwest. The pilot initiated a soft field takeoff with some right rudder input to accommodate the runway's slight "dogleg right" as well as the prevailing wind conditions. After reaching about one quarter of the runway length the pilot encountered an "unexpected significant gust of wind." He applied full right rudder to arrest any left drift, which appeared to successfully counteract the wind gust. While flying less than a foot above the runway, the pilot glanced to his left at a fast approaching tree, which he dismissed as a factor. He then focused his attention forward and the left wingtip collided with a tree causing the airplane to yaw to the left. The airplane main landing gear touched down on the runway surface and the pilot aborted the takeoff. He applied maximum braking, but the airplane collided with a group of pallets and debris resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the wind at Toccoa Airport-RG Letourneau Field, located 15 nautical miles south of the accident airport, was reported from 250 at 9 knots gusting to 19 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2275G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2275G-2018-01-31), registration cancelled 2018-01-31, S/N 51575, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 182B - Registry model: [Cessna 182B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182b) (registry code 2072706) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 51575 - Year built: 1958 - Airframe hours: 3907 - Engines: Continental 0-470-L 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Allen C Kevin - Registered owner: Allen C Kevin - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 25, 2013, 66 hours before - Departed: GA18, Clayton, GA - Destination: 7GA7, Stockbridge, GA - Airport: GA18, Big Creek Flying Ranch, runway 09, 2,800 × 60 ft, grass/turf - Equipment: Stall warning system, Electronic flight bag or handheld device ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 45; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review March 30, 2013; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 982 total, 700.2 in this make and model, 895.2 as pilot in command, 23.2 in the last 90 days, 9.6 in the last 30 days, 1.3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 250° at 9 knots, gusting 19 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 73 °F - Altimeter: 29.93 inHg - Observed at: TOC, 15 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 20140727014949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140727014949A), Jul 27, 2014: Cessna 182B, Clayton, GA, Substantial damage. The pilot indicated verbaly that he was on take off roll when he experienced a gust of wind on the rear end of the aircraft. This caused him to stike a tree… ## Docket (5 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 20, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89762. 9.3 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40415320&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Pilot's Statement (item 2, .PDF, 6 photos, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40415321&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Memorandum of Record - Weather (item 3, .PDF, 239 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40415322&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Record%20-%20Weather-Master.PDF - Photo 1 - Airplane at Accident Site (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 4, .PDF, 2.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40415323&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20-%20Airplane%20at%20Accident%20Site%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 2 - Tree and Airplane at Accident Site (Photo Courtesy of Pilot) (item 5, .PDF, 2.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40415324&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20-%20Tree%20and%20Airplane%20at%20Accident%20Site%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20Pilot)-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.