# NTSB FTW95LA289: Cessna 182, N2878R, Port Sulphur, LA, July 11, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 11, 1995, 16:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Port Sulphur, LA
- Coordinates: 30.279258, -91.239624 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.2793&lon=-91.2396&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 19, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19491
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA289
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19491/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA289

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF HIS SHORT FIELD LANDING RESULTING IN AN INTENTIONAL GROUND LOOP TO AVOID AN OVERRUN. FACTORS WERE THE REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS ON THE WET GRASS RUNWAY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Overrun, landing - roll
  - short field landing/procedure - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - grass
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - wet (contributing factor)
  - brakes(normal) - reduced (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE CIRCLING OVERHEAD THE 1,500 FOOT PRIVATE GRASS AIRSTRIP, THE PILOT OBSERVED 'STANDING WATER' AND POWER LINES AT THE EAST END OF THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND FROM THE WEST TO AVOID THE WATER AND THE POWER LINES. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT, DURING THE LANDING ROLL OUT, 'NORMAL BRAKING WAS NOT EFFECTIVE IN SLOWING THE AIRCRAFT DOWN.' IN ORDER TO AVOID CONTACTING AN EMBANKMENT AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY, THE PILOT 'ATTEMPTED TO GROUND LOOP THE AIRCRAFT.' SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEFT WING AND PROPELLER STRUCK THE GROUND.

## Factual narrative

On July 11, 1995, approximately 1630 central daylight time, a Cessna 182, N2878R, was substantially damaged during landing near Port Sulphur, Louisiana.  The airplane, owned and operated by Isra B. Thames III, was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91.  The business flight departed from Lakefront Airport, New Orleans, Louisiana, at 1530, and was intended to pick up a passenger at Port Sulphur.  A flight plan was not filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

The pilot reported that, while he was circling overhead the 1,500 foot grass airstrip, he observed "standing water" and power lines at the east end of the runway.  The pilot elected to land from the west to avoid the water and power lines.  He further reported that, during the landing roll out, "normal braking was not effective in slowing the aircraft down."   In order to avoid contacting an embankment at the end of the runway, the pilot "attempted to ground-loop the aircraft."  Subsequently, the left wing and propeller struck the ground.  Examination of the aircraft revealed structural damage to the left wing.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2878R (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18258478
- Airframe hours: 3011
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470R 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Isra B. Thames III
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 17, 1995, 20 hours before
- Departed: NEW, NEW ORLEANS, LA
- Airport: NONE, Birdwind Field (Private), runway 9, 1,500 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,280 total, 29 in this make and model, 1,220 as pilot in command, 70 in the last 90 days, 36 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles

## 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 19950711048539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950711048539A), Jul 11, 1995: Cessna 182, Port Sulphur, LA, Substantial damage. (-16) (4) Airman competency - the pilot stated that he intentionally landed with a tailwind to avoid an approach over powerlines. Upon landing, he realized the…

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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