Cessna 182P N9380G accident near Port Bolivar, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to attain a proper soft field takeoff pitch attitude during takeoff that resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent impact with a canal.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was attempting a soft field takeoff from a grass/dirt runway when the right elevator struck the ground. The airplane veered to the right, and the pilot applied corrective aileron and rudder control inputs and continued the takeoff. As the airplane approached the runway departure end, the pilot pulled back on the control yoke to get the airplane airborne. The pilot was unable to get the airplane airborne and it impacted and became partially submersed in a saltwater canal at the departure end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall, left wing, and right elevator. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot reported that he did not hear or feel the impact of the elevator with the ground when the elevator struck the ground.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA198 for the full record.