SEA06CA034

According to the pilot, when he began his departure roll, he had a clear view of the unlighted 2,100-foot-long by 20-foot-wide asphalt paved runway. Illumination was provided by street lights on parallel streets and the airplane's lights. Shortly after the takeoff roll began, the pilot "realized he could no longer see the runway edges." As soon as he made this realization, he felt the left main tire start to drag in the muddy ground next to the runway. He applied hard right rudder in an unsuccessful attempt to bring the left main tire back onto the pavement. He then realized that all of the wheels were off the pavement, pulled back on the yoke to keep the nose wheel up, and reduced power to abort the takeoff. After a "very short pause," he felt "the front of the plane dig in," and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.

On December 27, 2005, at 1915 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 182G, N3199S, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over following an encounter with muddy terrain during the takeoff roll on runway 25 at Sweet Home Airport, Sweet Home, Oregon. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross country flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight was originating when the accident occurred, and the intended destination was Corvallis, Oregon.

According to the pilot, when he began his departure roll, he had a clear view of the unlighted 2,100-foot-long by 20-foot-wide asphalt paved runway. Illumination was provided by street lights on parallel streets and the airplane's lights. Shortly after the takeoff roll began, the pilot "realized he could no longer see the runway edges." As soon as he made this realization, he felt the left main tire start to drag in the muddy ground next to the runway. He applied hard right rudder in an unsuccessful attempt to bring the left main tire back onto the pavement. He then realized that all of the wheels were off the pavement, pulled back on the yoke to keep the nose wheel up, and reduced power to abort the takeoff. After a "very short pause," he felt "the front of the plane dig in," and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.

The pilot provided the following three recommendations based on his experience. One, "only perform night departures from fields that have operating runway lights." Two, "be mentally prepared to pull the power off at the absolute earliest point in time." Three, "improve the aircraft lighting by adding a third and maybe fourth lamp in a different location, on a separate circuit, and with beam spread characteristics that would provide more even, wider angle, and better runway illumination."