# NTSB FTW85LA136: Cessna 180, N2878K, Houma, LA, March 3, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 2, 1985, 18:05 local (Mar 3, 1985, 00:05 UTC)
- Place: Houma, LA
- Coordinates: 29.569698, -90.699859 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.5697&lon=-90.6999&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21687
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA136
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21687/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA136

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Nose over, takeoff
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - wet (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - brakes(normal) - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM A SHORT MUDDY STRIP NEAR HOUMA, LA. HE ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF & APPLIED BRAKES. THE ACFT THEN ROLLED OVER A DRY AREA ON THE STRIP, WHERE BRAKING ACTION BECAME EFFECTIVE & THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION WAS REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2878K (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18053114
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-U 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Raymond J. Watson
- Registered owner: Midwestaircenter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: LA15, Shannon Fld

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 2,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,600 ft broken
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: HUM

## 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 19850302007009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850302007009A), Mar 2, 1985: Cessna 180K, Houma, LA, Substantial damage. Aborted takeoff on sod runway after running through two mud puddles. Aircraft nosed over with brake application.

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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