# NTSB GAA17CA492: Cessna 182, N147DD, Quitman, MS, August 12, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: August 12, 2017, 13:15 local (18:15 UTC) - Place: Quitman, MS - Coordinates: 32.04, -88.728057 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.0400&lon=-88.7281&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 15, 2017 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 95834 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA17CA492 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/95834/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95834 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA492 ## Probable cause The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions after passing a large hill. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182T, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=2072703), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182T, 26 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2072703), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Cessna 182T, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=2072703), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) - [Terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Cessna 182T, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000/cases.md?model=2072703), [All aircraft, 267 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Cessna 182T, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=2072703), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 182T, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=2072703), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060); cases with it: [Cessna 182T, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=2072703), [All aircraft, 1,422 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 182T, 17 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2072703), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The solo student pilot in the high-performance airplane reported that, before takeoff, he observed a "dead still" flag and windsock, indicating "no wind." He added that, during the takeoff roll, a wind gust pushed the airplane off the runway to the left. He added that he attempted to recover by reducing power, but the airplane impacted a ditch, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed over. He further added that the wind gust occurred after the airplane had "cleared" a large hill to the west of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A weather reporting station about 18 miles north of the airport reported that, between 1100 and 1320, the wind increased from calm to 8 knots, and no gusts were reported. The wind came predominately from the southwest. The airplane departed from runway 16, and the airport is located in an area of low rolling hills. The Federal Aviation Administration's Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, FAA-H-8083-25B, contained a section titled, "Effect of Obstructions on Wind," which stated, in part: "Obstructions on the ground affect the flow of wind and can be an unseen danger. Ground topography and large buildings can break up the flow of the wind and create wind gusts that change rapidly in direction and speed. These obstructions range from man-made structures, like hangars, to large natural obstructions, such as mountains, bluffs, or canyons. It is especially important to be vigilant when flying in or out of airports that have large buildings or natural obstructions located near the runway. The intensity of the turbulence associated with ground obstructions depends on the size of the obstacle and the primary velocity of the wind. This can affect the takeoff and landing performance of any aircraft and can present a very serious hazard." ## Factual narrative The solo student pilot, in the high-performance airplane, reported that prior to takeoff, he observed a "dead still" flag and windsock, indicating "no wind." He added that, during the takeoff roll, a gust of wind pushed the airplane off the runway to the left. He added that he attempted to recover by reducing power, but the airplane impacted a ditch; the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed over. He further added that the wind gust occurred after the airplane had "cleared" a large hill to the west of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A weather reporting station, about 18 miles north of the airport, reported between 1100 and 1320, the wind increased from calm to 8 knots, decreased after 1400, and no gusts were reported. The wind came predominately from the southwest. The airplane departed on runway 16, and the airport is located in an area of low rolling hills. The Federal Aviation Administration's Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, FAA-H-8083-25B, contains a section titled "Effect of Obstructions on Wind" which stated in part: Another atmospheric hazard exists that can create problems for pilots. Obstructions on the ground affect the flow of wind and can be an unseen danger. Ground topography and large buildings can break up the flow of the wind and create wind gusts that change rapidly in direction and speed. These obstructions range from man-made structures, like hangars, to large natural obstructions, such as mountains, bluffs, or canyons. It is especially important to be vigilant when flying in or out of airports that have large buildings or natural obstructions located near the runway. The intensity of the turbulence associated with ground obstructions depends on the size of the obstacle and the primary velocity of the wind. This can affect the takeoff and landing performance of any aircraft and can present a very serious hazard. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N147DD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N147DD-2020-10-31), registration cancelled 2020-10-31, S/N 18282367, built 2013 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 182 (T) - Registry model: [Cessna 182T](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182t) (registry code 2072703) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-ab1a5) (registry code 41808, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18282367 - Year built: 2013 - Airframe hours: 271 - Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-AB1A5 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 4, 2017 - Departed: HBG, HATTIESBURG, MS - Destination: 23M, Quitman, MS - Airport: 23M, Clarke County, runway 16, 3,295 × 59 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Stall warning system, Auto-pilot, Electronic multifunction display, Electronic primary flight display, Onboard weather ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Student pilot; age 54; injuries: minor; student; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 80.9 total, 64.8 in this make and model, 29.6 in the last 90 days, 5.3 in the last 30 days, 1.6 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 240° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 3,500 ft broken - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 77 °F - Altimeter: 29.97 inHg - Observed at: KMEI, 18 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 20170812024759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170812024759A), Aug 12, 2017: Cessna 182T, Quitman, MS, Destroyed. FAA did not go to the see of the accident. The following account is from the pilot, [privacy data omitted] of N147DD. [privacy data omitted] Said he awoke the… ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on October 30, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95834. 1.2 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 754 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40457427&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record - Telephone Interview, Pilot (item 2, .PDF, 71 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40457429&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20Telephone%20Interview,%20Pilot-Master.PDF - Accident Photos (Courtesy of FAA) (item 3, .PDF, 2 photos, 417 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40457430&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photos%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.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.