# NTSB LAX88LA224: Cessna 180K, N2509K, Show Low, AZ, June 15, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 15, 1988, 15:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Show Low, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.22985, -110.070823 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2298&lon=-110.0708&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26035
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA224
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26035/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA224

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF IN HIS CONVENTIONAL GEAR ACFT USING RWY 21. THE LOCAL WIND WAS ESTIMATED AT 180 DEGREES, 15 KNOTS WITH GUSTS TO 35 KNOTS. THE PLT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER ROTATING FOR TAKEOFF 'A GUST OF WIND CAUGHT US & THREW US APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET UP IN THE AIR.' THE PLT SAID HE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL HIS ACFT & IT STALLED. THE ACFT BOUNCED HARD THREE TIMES ON THE RWY UNTIL FINALLY THE LANDING GEAR BROKE AND THE WING STRUCK THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2509K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2509K), registered now, S/N 18052962, built 1978 (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: 18052962
- Airframe hours: 839
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470U 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Grover, Donald E.
- Registered owner: Donald Grover Farms, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1988, 49 hours before
- Destination: WELLTON, AZ
- Airport: SOW, Show Low Muni, runway 21, 3,928 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 723 total, 486 in this make and model, 38 in the last 90 days, 19 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 15 knots, gusting 35
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19880615025499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880615025499A), Jun 15, 1988: Cessna 180K, Show Low, AZ, Substantial damage. A severe crosswind gust lifted aircraft off too soon stalled and crashed trying to recover. Too much crosswind.

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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