# NTSB MIA97LA169: Cessna Wren 182G-460, N3182S, Spartanburg, SC, May 18, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 18, 1997, 16:30 local (20:30 UTC) - Place: Spartanburg, SC - Coordinates: 35.080829, -81.860618 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0808&lon=-81.8606&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 30, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 38284 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA97LA169 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38284/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA169 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, by failure to survey the takeoff area, and his delay in aborting the takeoff. Upsloping terrain and high vegetation in the takeoff area were related factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - aborted - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - terrain condition - uphill (contributing factor) - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor) - airspeed(vlof) - not attained, pilot in command - aborted takeoff - delayed, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - intentional, pilot in command ## Analysis The pilot stated that he failed to survey the takeoff area before the flight. During the takeoff ground roll, the airplane would not reach the takeoff airspeed due to upsloping terrain and 2 foot tall grass. The pilot intentionally ground looped the airplane to avoid a collision with trees ahead. The airplane came to rest with damage to the landing gear, right wing, fuselage, propeller, and tail section. ## Factual narrative On May 18, 1997, about 1630 eastern daylight time, a Cessna C-182G-460, N3182S, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, was substantially damaged during the takeoff roll from a field near Spartanburg, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that while on the takeoff roll, he realized that he was unable to become airborne due to a slow airspeed. The pilot intentionally ground looped the aircraft to avoid colliding with obstructions ahead. Examination of the field revealed upsloping terrain with unmowed grass up to 2 feet in height and a field length of 1,000 feet. The pilot further stated that if he had surveyed the area prior to the flight, the accident would not have occurred. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3182S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3182S-2007-11-21), registration cancelled 2007-11-21, S/N 18255682, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna Wren 182G-460 - Registry model: [Cessna Wren 182G 460](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-wren-182g-460) (registry code 2075802) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18255682 - Airframe hours: 6247 - Engines: Continental O-470R-6B 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Wayne Moore Thomas - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 13, 1997, 14 hours before - Destination: SC10, CHESNEE, SC - Airport: runway 18, 1,000 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,468 total, 98 in this make and model, 1,344 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 230° at 11 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 50 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: GSP, 22 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 19970518019509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970518019509A), May 18, 1997: Cessna 182G, Spartanburg, SC, Substantial damage. Tried to depart short uphill tall grass strip. Unable flying speed. Aborted. Ground looped to avoid overrun. (-23) the field that was used for takeoff was not… 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.