Cessna 180J N7751K accident near Kakhonak, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to take off in unfavorable wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was attempting to take off from an airstrip that was about 1,300 feet long. He noted that the wind was variable and gusting. During takeoff the airplane became airborne and subsequently began to settle back on the airstrip. As the airplane was approaching a bluff, the pilot realized that he did not have enough runway surface left to continue the takeoff. He pulled the power to idle and let the airplane settle onto the ground. The pilot then applied hard left rudder to avoid going over the bluff, at which point the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated that the airframe and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the attempted takeoff.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC10CA059 for the full record.