# NTSB ERA23LA240: Cessna R182, N182LG, Macon, NC, May 21, 2023 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: May 21, 2023, 14:47 local (18:47 UTC) - Place: Macon, NC - Coordinates: 36.540115, -78.057756 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.5401&lon=-78.0578&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: Textron, FAA/FSDO, Lycoming - NTSB case key (mKey): 192206 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA23LA240 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/192206/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=192206 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA240 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to properly set the elevator trim before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Action: forgotten action/omission](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna R182, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035/cases.md?model=2072734), [All aircraft, 440 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035/cases.md) - [Flight control system: elevator tab control system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022731): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna R182, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022731/cases.md?model=2072734), [All aircraft, 37 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022731/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Aircraft inspection event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/050); cases with it: [Cessna R182, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/050/sequence.md?model=2072734), [All aircraft, 229 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/050/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Cessna R182, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=2072734), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna R182, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=2072734), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna R182, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2072734), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis During a takeoff attempt from a 1900-ft-long turf runway, the airplane travelled along the runway in a nose-high attitude with the tail dragging in the turf. The airplane lifted off nose high, the wings buffeted, and the airplane drifted left toward trees. A witness described that the engine was operating continuously, and no abnormal engine sounds were heard during the takeoff. The airplane subsequently contacted the trees off the left side of the runway and the wreckage was mostly consumed by a postimpact fire. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions of the airframe or engine. Measurement of the elevator trim actuator corresponded to a full nose-up elevator trim position. Review of a before takeoff checklist from a pilot operating handbook for the make and model airplane revealed instructions to set the elevator trim to the takeoff position before takeoff. It is possible that the pilot used a full nose-up trim position for the previous landing on the short runway and forgot to reset the elevator trim before the accident takeoff. This trim position likely resulted in the airplane’s nose up pitch attitude during the takeoff attempt, the airplane’s tail contacting the ground reducing its performance during the takeoff, and resulted in the pilot losing control of the airplane. Toxicological testing detected cetirizine in postmortem specimens from the pilot. cetirizine is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication commonly used to treat allergy symptoms and that often carries a warning that users may experience drowsiness. The FAA states that pilots should wait 48 hours after using cetirizine before flying to allow time for the drug to be cleared from circulation. Data on sedation and psychomotor impairment from cetirizine are mixed, with some studies finding some sedating and impairing effects. However, the investigation could not determine if the cetirizine had any impairing or sedating effects on the pilot at the time of the accident. ## Factual narrative On May 21, 2023, about 1447 eastern daylight time, a Cessna R182, N182LG, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Macon, North Carolina. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was departing from runway 18 at Nocarva Airport (NC10), Macon, North Carolina. Runway 18 was 1,900 ft-long, 100 ft-wide, and consisted of a turf surface. According to a witness (who was also a pilot) and video recorded by a witness, the airplane travelled along the runway in a nose-high attitude with the tail dragging in the turf. The airplane lifted off nose high, the wings buffeted, and the airplane drifted left into trees. The engine was operating continuously, and no abnormal engine sounds were heard by the witness or during the portion of the takeoff that was video recorded. A postimpact fire consumed a majority of the wreckage, which came to rest in a wooded area off the left side of the runway, about three-fourths down the runway. The wreckage was subsequently recovered from the accident site and examined. Elevator control cable continuity was confirmed from the cockpit, through recovery cuts, to the elevator bell cranks. Rudder cable continuity was confirmed from the cockpit pedals to recovery cuts at the rear empennage. The aileron cable remained attached to the left and right aileron bellcranks and in the cockpit; however, the aileron cable from the cockpit to the wing was not identified. Measurement of the flap jackscrew corresponded to a flaps near retracted position (between 0° and 2° extension). Measurement of the elevator trim actuator corresponded to a full tab down (nose-up) elevator trim position. The pilot’s seat tracks were not identified. The engine remained attached to the airframe and was separated and lifted with a hoist for examination. The three-blade propeller remained attached to the crankshaft flange. One blade exhibited s-bending, one blade was bent forward, and the third blade was bent aft. All three blades exhibited chordwise scrapes. Borescope examination of the cylinders did not reveal any anomalies. The top spark plugs were removed, and their electrodes were intact and sooty. When the propeller was rotated by hand, crankshaft, camshaft, and valve train continuity was confirmed to the rear accessory section of the engine. Thumb compression was attained on all cylinders. Due to fire damage, the ignition system and fuel system could not be tested. Overall, the examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Review of a before takeoff checklist from a pilot operating handbook for the make and model airplane revealed instructions to set the elevator trim to the takeoff position before takeoff. An autopsy was performed on the pilot by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Raleigh, North Carolina. According to the pilot’s autopsy report, his cause of death wasthermal injuries and inhalation of products of combustion, and his manner of death was accident. Toxicological testing of postmortem specimens from the pilot was performed by the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Cetirizine (trade name Zyrtec) was detected at 32 ng/mL in heart blood and at 223 ng/mL in liver tissue. Naproxen (trade name Aleve) was detected in heart blood and liver tissue. Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine medication that is available over the counter and is commonly used to treat allergy symptoms. Cetirizine often carries a warning that users may experience drowsiness and the FAA states that pilots should wait 48 hours after using cetirizine before flying, to allow time for the drug to be cleared from circulation. Data on sedation and psychomotor impairment from cetirizine are mixed, with some studies finding some sedating and impairing effects. The investigation could not determine if the cetirizine had any impairing or sedating effects on the pilot at the time of the accident. Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory medication that is available without a prescription and commonly is used for control of pain and fever. Naproxen is not generally considered impairing. All other detected substances were attributable to the pilot’s postaccident medical care. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N182LG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N182LG-2024-04-30), registration cancelled 2024-04-30, S/N R18201524, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA R182 - Registry model: [Cessna R182](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-r182) (registry code 2072734) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: R18201524 - Year built: 1980 - Airframe hours: 2871 - Engines: Lycoming O-540-J3C5D 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Cgs Technologies Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 16, 2023 - Airport: NC10, Nocarva Airport, runway 18, 1,900 × 100 ft, grass/turf - Equipment: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 494 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 54 °F - Altimeter: 30.10 inHg - Observed at: AVC, 9 nm away - METAR: KAVC 211855Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM SCT045 23/12 A3010 RMK AO2 T02290124 ## 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 20230521005489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20230521005489A), May 21, 2023: Cessna R182, Macon, NC, Destroyed, 1 fatal. The pilot dragged the tail of the aircraft 3 times on grass runway prior to rotation and after rotation did not stay in ground effect to build airspeed for… ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 12, 2025, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=192206. 24.1 MB in all. - Memorandum for the record - witness (item 1, PDF, 6 pages, 3 photos, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16581418&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Witness%20MFR_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Excerpt from maintenance records (item 2, PDF, 6 pages, 6.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16580092&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Mx%20Excerpts_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Excerpts from pilot operating handbook (item 3, PDF, 2 pages, 353 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16869778&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pages%20from%201980%20R182%20POH-Rel.pdf - Investigation photographs (item 4, PDF, 6 pages, 5 photos, 884 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16581785&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Photo%20Array%20-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for the record - wreckage examination (item 5, PDF, 3 pages, 506 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16580188&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MFR%20-%20Wreckage%20Examination-Rel.pdf - Toxicological report (item 6, PDF, 2 pages, 322 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16582008&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Tox_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Medical factual memorandum for record (item 7, PDF, 4 pages, 155 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18721012&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA23LA240_MedicalFactualMemo-Rel.pdf - Witness klein video (mov, 20 seconds, 13MB) (item 8, MOV, 13.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16580102&FileExtension=MOV&FileName=Witness%20Klein%20Video-Rel.MOV - Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation (item 9, PDF, 11 pages, 821 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16579900&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Party%20Forms_Redacted-Rel.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.