# NTSB FTW96LA101: Cessna 180, N6502A, Buena Vista, CO, January 20, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 20, 1996, 11:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Buena Vista, CO
- Coordinates: 38.830886, -106.140403 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8309&lon=-106.1404&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19747
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA101
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19747/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA101

## Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control.  A factor relating to the accident was: the crosswind.

## 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 - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

The pilot said that prior to takeoff, he estimated the wind to be from 260 degrees at 8 to 10 knots. He said that during the takeoff roll on runway 33, he was unable to maintain runway heading. The airplane went off the right side of the runway, cleared a drainage ditch, and impacted the opposite embankment. After the accident, the pilot said the wind was from 260 degrees at 20 knots (23 mph) with gusts to 25 knots (29 mph). According to a Cessna Aircraft Company spokesman, the airplane was flight tested in a 30 mph direct crosswind.

## Factual narrative

On January 20, 1996, approximately 1100 mountain standard time, a Cessna 180, N6502A, was destroyed when it impacted terrain during takeoff at Buena Vista, Colorado.  The private pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91.  The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The following is based on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report. Prior to takeoff from runway 33, the pilot estimated the wind to be from 260 degrees at 8 to 10 knots.  Although the initial takeoff roll was normal, the pilot was unable to maintain runway heading.  The airplane went off the right side of the runway, cleared a drainage ditch, and impacted the opposite embankment.  The pilot said after the accident he estimated the wind to be from 260 degrees at 20 knots (23 mph) with gusts to 25 knots (29 mph).

According to a Cessna Aircraft Company spokesman, the Cessna 180 Owner's Manual does not report a maximum demonstrated crosswind component.  However, the airplane was certificated under CAR 3 (Civil Aviation Regulations) on December 23, 1952, and, according to the Technical Inspection Report (TIR), the airplane was flight tested in a 30 mph direct crosswind (0.2 Vso).

## Aircraft

- Registration: N6502A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32399
- Airframe hours: 3125
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-K 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thomas D. Moore
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 3, 1995, 15 hours before
- Departed: 7V1
- Airport: 7V1, Buena Vista Municipal, runway 33, 3,425 × 28 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 345 total, 28 in this make and model, 246 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 37 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: COS, 65 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 19960120000809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960120000809A), Jan 20, 1996: Cessna 180, Buena Vista, CO, Substantial damage. Attempting to takeo off from runway, gust of wind caught aircraft and pushed it off runway.

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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