Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
During a cross-country flight, the engine sputtered twice and the pilot performed an uneventful precautionary landing, in a field about 20 miles away from his intended destination. The pilot then secured ground transportation and obtained more fuel for the airplane. During the subsequent takeoff from the "L-shaped" field, the airplane drifted right and struck a culvert on the right boundary of the field. The pilot continued the takeoff and landed at his intended destination. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the nosegear, lower fuselage, and firewall. The pilot also reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA082 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 27, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Littleton, North Carolina
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182H
- N-number
- N1833X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1964
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.