# NTSB WPR17LA160: Cessna 182L, N42143, Arbuckle, CA, July 22, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 22, 2017, 08:45 local (15:45 UTC) - Place: Arbuckle, CA - Coordinates: 38.977222, -122.097221 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9772&lon=-122.0972&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 19, 2018 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - NTSB case key (mKey): 95634 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR17LA160 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/95634/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95634 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA160 ## Probable cause The pilot’s delayed decision to abort the takeoff and his failure to properly conduct a rejected takeoff, which resulted in a runway overrun. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182L, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=2072726), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Action: delayed action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182L, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md?model=2072726), [All aircraft, 894 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: landing flare](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062041): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182L, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062041/cases.md?model=2072726), [All aircraft, 1,285 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062041/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: surface speed/braking](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062045): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182L, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062045/cases.md?model=2072726), [All aircraft, 238 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062045/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182L, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2072726), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Decision related to condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182L, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=2072726), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 182L, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=2072726), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060); cases with it: [Cessna 182L, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=2072726), [All aircraft, 1,422 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md) - [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 182L, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=2072726), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 182L, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2072726), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The private pilot reported that, during takeoff from the 2,500-ft grass- and dirt-covered runway, the airplane lifted off the runway normally, and he flew the airplane at a low altitude to gain airspeed before he pitched the airplane upward to initiate a climb. The pilot stated that the airplane initially climbed before it started to settle toward the runway. The pilot attempted to gain airspeed and began a second rotation to climb but realized that the airplane would be unable to clear the trees at the end of the runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff and landed on the remaining length of the runway. However, the landing flare was late, which caused the airplane to porpoise, resulting in ineffective braking. Subsequently, the airplane overran the departure end of the runway and impacted trees before the airplane came to rest upright within an orchard. Both wings sustained structural damage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. According to the reported weights of the pilot and passenger, the reported fuel load, and the airplane's empty weight, the airplane was within its weight and balance limitations. On the basis of the airplane's performance charts, the airplane would have required about 1,366 ft to clear obstacles and thus should have been able to successfully depart from the private grass/dirt runway. However, when the airplane did not begin to climb after the initial liftoff, the pilot should have rejected the takeoff rather than attempt to climb a second time. The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff resulted in an improper flare, a bounced landing, and a subsequent runway overrun. ## Factual narrative On July 22, 2017, about 0845 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 182L airplane, N42143, was substantially damaged during a runway overrun following an aborted takeoff from a private airstrip near Arbuckle, California. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Colusa, California.The pilot reported that after engine start, he let the engine run at a medium RPM, while turning on the avionics. The pilot then set the engine RPM to 1,700, conducted a left and right magneto check, along with carburetor heat and cycling the propeller 3 times before reducing RPM to idle. The pilot stated that he set the flaps to 20o, checked the fuel [shutoff] valve, and advanced throttle. As he aligned the airplane with the 2,500-foot long grass/dirt runway, he advanced the throttle to full power. He added that his ground run seemed routine as the airplane had lifted off of the runway as normal. The pilot kept the airplane low to gain airspeed and initiated a climb at an airspeed of 60 miles per hour. The pilot further stated that the airplane started to climb a few feet, however, settled back down, and he held the elevator forward to "keep the airspeed up" and began another rotation to climb. The pilot realized he was going to be unable to clear the trees at the end of the runway and aborted the takeoff. The pilot stated that his flare was late and the airplane porposed,"so brakes were ineffective." Subsequently, the airplane overran the departure end of the runway and impacted multiple trees before it came to rest upright within an orchard. Examination of the airplane by local law enforcement revealed that the fuselage and both wings were structurally damaged. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination. In addition, first responders reported fuel leaking from both wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane by the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC) revealed that the flap handle was set to the 20° position. Corresponding impact marks, consistent with the flaps were observed on both the left and right sides of the fuselage. The marks were found consistent with a flap setting of about 20°. The flap actuator was measured at 3.9 inches, or about 20° of flaps extended. The elevator trim was found in a position consistent with a takeoff setting. The airframe was setup for an engine test run and an external fuel source was attached to the right wing fuel inlet line. The engine was primed and started normally. The engine was run throughout various power settings for about 10 minutes before it was shut down using the mixture. During the engine run, a left and right magneto check was conducted, noting anapproximate 120 rpm drop for both magnetos. The carburetor heat was found to function normally. No evidence of any preexisting mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane was found. The pilot reported that at the time of the accident, the airplane weighed 2,641 pounds, or about 159 pounds under the maximum gross weight of 2,800 pounds. Using weights of the pilot and passenger, empty weight of the airplane, and reported fuel load, the IIC calculated that the airplane was within weight and balance limitations at the time of the accident. The pilot operating handbook for the accident airplane, section 5, Operational Data, figure 5-3, Take-Off Data, states that at 2,800 pounds, sea level elevation, and 59°F, no wind, and flaps set to 20°, the required ground run on a hard surface would be 825 feet, or 1,205 to clear a 50-foot obstacle. Note 1 for the Take-Off Chart states that an increase of 10% should be used for each 25°F above standard temperature should be used. Note 2 states that for operation from a dry, grass runway, both ground run and total to clear a 50 feet obstacle should be increased by 7 percent of the total to clear 50-foot obstacle figure. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N42143](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N42143-2019-05-06), registration cancelled 2019-05-06, S/N 18258872, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 182L - Registry model: [Cessna 182L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182l) (registry code 2072726) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18258872 - Year built: 1968 - Airframe hours: 6216 - Engines: CONT MOTOR O-470-3 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, February 7, 2017, 16 hours before - Departed: None, Arbuckle, CA - Destination: Colusa, CA - Airport: None, Private, runway E, 2,500 × 50 ft, dirt - Equipment: Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 29, 2016; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 618 total, 484 in this make and model, 580 as pilot in command, 8.6 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 160° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 29.90 inHg - Observed at: KMYV, 26 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 20170722010019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170722010019A), Jul 22, 2017: Cessna 182L, Arbuckle, CA, Substantial damage. The pilot reported that following an uneventful preflight inspection and engine run-up, he Began his eastbound takeoff from the private airstrip. As the… ## Docket (5 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 9, 2018, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95634. 790 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 391 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40465739&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - NTSB Airframe and Engine Exam Summary (item 2, .PDF, 87 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40465740&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Airframe%20and%20Engine%20Exam%20Summary-Master.PDF - Airplane Weight and Balance (item 3, .PDF, 40 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40465741&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airplane%20Weight%20and%20Balance-Master.PDF - Portions of the Cessna 182L Pilot Operating Handbook (item 4, .PDF, 153 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40465742&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Portions%20of%20the%20Cessna%20182L%20Pilot%20Operating%20Handbook-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 5, .PDF, 119 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40465743&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Master.PDF 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.