# NTSB NYC87LA088: Cessna 180H, N9708G, New Paltz, NY, February 17, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 16, 1987, 20:45 local (Feb 17, 1987, 01:45 UTC)
- Place: New Paltz, NY
- Coordinates: 41.739788, -74.079833 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7398&lon=-74.0798&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 21, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30605
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87LA088
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30605/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA088

## 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
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE CESSNA 180/H WAS DEPARTING THE RUNWAY AT NIGHT WITH TWO PASSENGERS ON BOARD. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AS THE TAIL CAME UP AND VEERED LEFT INTO A SNOW BANK. AFTER STRIKING THE LEFT SNOW BANK, THE AIRCRAFT VEERED RIGHT AND STRUCK THE RIGHT SNOW BANK. AFTER STRIKING THE RIGHT SNOW BANK, THE AIRCRAFT HIT A DRAINAGE DITCH AND THEN FLIPPED OVER. THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND THE THREE OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. THERE WAS NO FIRE. THE TAKEOFF WAS INITIATED ON RWY 14. THE WINDS WERE REPORTED AS BEING FROM 040 AT 10 KTS WITH GUSTS TO 15 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9708G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9708G), registered now, S/N 18052208, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180H
- Registry model: [Cessna 180H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180h) (registry code 2072618) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18052208
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-R 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David Edward
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, June 6, 1986
- Destination: TEB, TETERBORO, NJ
- Airport: 43N, Stanton, runway 14, 2,400 × 23 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 927 total, 39 in this make and model, 864 as pilot in command, 55 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 40° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 16 °F

## 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 19870216004879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870216004879A), Feb 16, 1987: Cessna 180H, New Paltz, NY, Substantial damage. The aircraft veered into a snowbank during takeoff in gusty conditions with a tailwind component.

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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