# NTSB FTW86LA101: Cessna 180K, N20379, Timbalier, LA, June 4, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 4, 1986, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Timbalier, LA
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22033
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LA101
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22033/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA101

## 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
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - water loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE GROUND RUN PORTION OF A WATER TAKE-OFF FROM A CANAL, THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED A STRONG GUST OF WIND TO THE RIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT NOSE. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND COLLIDED WITH AN OIL RIG. THE PILOT FAILED TO COMPENSATE FOR THE DIRECTION AND SPEED OF THE WIND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N20379](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N20379), registered now, S/N 18053185, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180K
- Registry model: [Cessna 180K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180k) (registry code 2072624) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18053185
- Airframe hours: 1439
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-U 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: M-Chem, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 22, 1986, 1,347 hours before
- Destination: BELLE CHASE, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,227 total, 979 in this make and model, 963 as pilot in command, 140 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 79 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19860604034489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860604034489A), Jun 4, 1986: Cessna STC180, Timbalier, LA, Substantial damage. During water takeoff run in gusty winds, aircraft struck an oil well. Damage to float and propeller.

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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