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NTSB investigation record

WPR09CA335

Completed

Cessna 180· N3198D

Date
July 5, 2009
Location
La Grande, OR
Conditions
VMC
Record
Published September 25, 2020

Primary finding

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control.

Investigator assessment

Analysis narrative

The pilot reported that he observed an airplane approach and land on runway 30 at the uncontrolled airport. Thereafter, he proceeded to take off on the runway. He noted that the wind was nearly dead calm, according to the windsock. The pilot further stated that upon accelerating to about 35 miles per hour, he encountered a "severe wind shear" that lifted the left wing and wheel off the ground. Despite his efforts to counteract the wind effect, he lost control of his airplane. The pilot then aborted the takeoff, and the wind continued pushing the airplane sideways. The airplane swerved off the runway, encountered soft dirt, and nosed over onto its back.

Source record

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that he observed an airplane approach and land on runway 30 at the uncontrolled airport. Thereafter, he proceeded to take off on the runway. He noted that the wind was nearly dead calm, according to the windsock. The pilot further stated that upon accelerating to about 35 miles per hour, he encountered a "severe wind shear" that lifted the left wing and wheel off the ground. Despite his efforts to counteract the wind effect, he lost control of his airplane. The pilot then aborted the takeoff, and the wind continued pushing the airplane sideways. The airplane swerved off the runway, encountered soft dirt, and nosed over onto its back.

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