# NTSB MKC84LA026: Cessna 180A, N7814A, Topeka, KS, November 17, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 17, 1983, 08:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Topeka, KS
- Coordinates: 39.029212, -95.689414 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0292&lon=-95.6894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33594
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC84LA026
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33594/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84LA026

## 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
  - fuselage,seat - unlocked (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuselage,seat - worn (cause)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run
  - landing gear,main gear - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE RWY INTO THE GRASS AND COLLAPSED THE MAIN LANDING GEAR DURING TAKEOFF. THE PILOTS SEAT SLID AFT AS THE ACFT ACCELERATED AND THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT. THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY INTO THE GRASS. THE PILOT INDICATED THAT HE ADJUSTED HIS SEAT BEFORE TAKEOFF AND HAD TO FORCE THE SEAT LOCKING PIN INTO POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7814A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7814A-2017-09-19), registration cancelled 2017-09-19, S/N 32711, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180A
- Registry model: [Cessna 180A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180a) (registry code 2072604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32711
- Airframe hours: 3365
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-K 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Murlin G. Smith
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 18, 1983, 32 hours before
- Destination: H64, LAMAR, MO
- Airport: TOP, Phillip Billard Muni, runway 17, 5,099 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,300 total, 150 in this make and model, 3,300 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FOE, 6 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 19831117058059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831117058059A), Nov 17, 1983: Cessna 180A, Topeka, KS, Substantial damage. Lost control of aircraft on takeoff roll when pilot's seat unlocked. Veered off runway collapsing right gear.

## Other investigations on N7814A (3)

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.

- [NTSB ANC11CA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11CA098), Sep 14, 2011: Cessna 180A (N7814A), McGrath, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's loss of control when encountering a downdraft during the initial climb after takeoff, resulting in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB NYC78DHD10](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC78DHD10), Mar 19, 1978: Cessna 180 (N7814A), Williamstown, NJ, substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC71FCJ56](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC71FCJ56), Apr 2, 1971: Cessna 180A (N7814A), Ashland, NE, substantial damage

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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