Cessna 180A N9659B

Summary

On 26 March 2016 at about 14:00 local time, a Cessna 180A registered N9659B was involved in an accident near Del Rio, Texas, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

26 March 2016 at 14:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Del Rio, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

Del Rio International (KDRT)

Coordinates

29.3728, -100.9272

Aircraft

Cessna 180A

Registration

N9659B

Category

Airplane

Year built

1957

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Del Rio → Terlingua

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN16LA131

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot’s loss of directional control while departing with a gusting tailwind.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The private pilot and passenger were departing runway 31 in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the takeoff, just as the tail became airborne, the airplane veered right. The pilot was unable to correct the turn, and the airplane departed the runway. An examination of the wheels and brakes did not reveal any abnormalities. About the time of departure, the reported winds were from 130 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots. Based on the pilot's choice of runway direction and the wind conditions at the time of takeoff, it is likely that he lost control while departing with a gusting tailwind.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.