Cessna 182K N2893R accident near Branson West, Missouri

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure that his seat was in a locked position before takeoff, which resulted in the seat sliding rearward and the subsequent loss of directional control.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the pilot seat released and slid rearward during the takeoff roll. He said that he reduced engine power and could still reach the rudder pedals but could not actuate the brakes. Subsequently, the airplane went off the runway and struck a drainage ditch. The airplane's seat mechanism was the subject of a 2011 Airworthiness Directive, which had been complied with during the airplane's most recent annual inspection. Postaccident examination of the seat mechanism revealed no anomalies. Based on the available evidence, it is likely that the pilot failed to ensure that his seat was in a locked position before takeoff, which allowed it to slide rearward during the takeoff roll.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA056 for the full record.