# NTSB SEA99LA102: Cessna 182Q, N759MZ, Conner, MT, July 6, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 6, 1999, 06:30 local (12:30 UTC) - Place: Conner, MT - Coordinates: 45.889087, -114.039619 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.8891&lon=-114.0396&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 30, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 46794 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA99LA102 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46794/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA102 ## Probable cause The pilot's attempt to take off on an unsuitable runway surface due to standing water on the runway. Factors include standing water on the airstrip. ## Analysis The pilot stated that he taxied through what appeared to be a thin layer of standing water from a leaky irrigation ditch on the grass airstrip. He attempted a soft-field takeoff, using full power on the takeoff roll on 200-300 feet of dry ground before reaching the water on the airstrip's surface. Water 'laying at an angle' caught the left main gear and turned the airplane to the left, 'sending it into a hydroplane.' He aborted the takeoff, pulling the power back. The airplane struck a fence with the wing, causing it to swing around and come to a rest nose down in a ditch. ## Factual narrative On July 6, 1999, approximately 0630 mountain daylight time, N759MZ, a Cessna 182Q, sustained substantial damage during an attempted takeoff at Trapper Creek airstrip, Conner, Montana. The private pilot on board was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that the ELT actuated. No flight plan was filed for the flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. There was no fire. The pilot stated that he taxied through what appeared to be a thin layer of standing water on the grass strip. He noted that the water was from a leaky irrigation ditch. In his written report, he stated that he set up for a soft-field takeoff, using full power on the takeoff roll on 200-300 feet of dry ground before reaching the water on the airstrip's surface. Water "laying at an angle" caught the left main gear and turned the airplane to the left, "sending it into a hydroplane." He aborted the takeoff, pulling the power back. The airplane struck a fence with the wing, causing it to swing around and come to a rest nose down in a ditch. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor) - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause) - short field takeoff/procedure - attempted, pilot in command ## Aircraft - Registration: [N759MZ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N759MZ), registered now, S/N 18266115, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 182Q - Registry model: [Cessna 182Q](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182q) (registry code 2072732) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Engines: Continental O-470U 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: David Nicely - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 26, 1999, 13 hours before - Airport: Trapper Creek ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,130 total, 1,090 in this make and model, 1,090 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none ## 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 19990706008409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990706008409A), Jul 6, 1999: Cessna 182Q, Conner, MT, Substantial damage. Acft lost control on take-off and struck a ditch, other circumstances are unknown. (.19) on July 6, 1999, approximately 0630 mountain daylight time, N759MZ, a… 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.