# NTSB GAA18CA146: Cessna 172, N1118F, Gatesvile, TX, February 28, 2018 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: February 28, 2018, 13:00 local (19:00 UTC) - Place: Gatesvile, TX - Coordinates: 31.215833, -97.365554 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.2158&lon=-97.3656&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report August 27, 2018 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 96808 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA18CA146 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/96808/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96808 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA146 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during initial climb in a gusty condition. ## 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 172G, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=2072420), [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 · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172G, 16 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2072420), [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 172G, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=2072420), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: wind sock](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022030): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on equipment; cases with it: [Cessna 172G, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022030/cases.md?model=2072420), [All aircraft, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022030/cases.md) - [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172G, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=2072420), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/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 172G, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=2072420), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172G, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=2072420), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he performed a soft field takeoff from the left side of the turf runway where it was firmer. The airplane climbed to 20 ft above ground level where it encountered wind gusts from the right. The airplane drifted to the left, collided with the wind sock pole, and then impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The nearest METAR reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 170° at 17 kts and gusting to 22 kts. The pilot reported in the recommendation section of the National Transportation Board pilot aircraft accident report, that the accident could have been prevented if he had initiated the takeoff from the center of the runway. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that he performed a soft field takeoff from the left side of the turf runway where it was firmer. The airplane climbed to 20ft above ground level where it encountered wind gusts from the right. The airplane drifted to the left, collided with the wind sock pole, and then impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The nearest METAR reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 170° at 17kts and gusting to 22kts. The pilot reported in the Recommendation section of the National Transportation Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, that the accident could have been prevented if he had initiated the takeoff from the center of the runway. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1118F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1118F-2019-03-11), registration cancelled 2019-03-11, S/N 17254713, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172 (G) - Registry model: [Cessna 172G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172g) (registry code 2072420) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17254713 - Year built: 1966 - Airframe hours: 4091 - Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Ecological Services International - Registered owner: Ecological Services International - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, January 4, 2018 - Departed: PVT, Gatesvile, TX - Destination: PIL, Port Isable, TX - Airport: PVT, Private Airstrip, runway 13, 3,500 × 100 ft, grass/turf - Equipment: Stall warning system, Auto-pilot, Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Onboard weather, Satellite tracking device ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 74; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review December 23, 2017; seat: left; flight hours: 3,090 total, 800 in this make and model, 3,090 as pilot in command, 38 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 170° at 17 knots, gusting 22 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 3,300 ft broken - Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 66 °F - Altimeter: 29.80 inHg - Observed at: KTPL, 5 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 20180228005129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20180228005129A), Feb 28, 2018: Cessna 172G, Gatesville, TX, Substantial damage. Aircraft left wing contacted wind sock pole during take off resulting in aircraft accident. ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 15, 2018, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96808. 3.5 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 3.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40464127&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Photo (item 2, .PDF, 159 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40464128&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo-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.