Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the airplane "bounced" off of the air strip, the left wing "suddenly rose," and that a wind gust pushed the nose to the right by "30 degrees." The right wing contacted a dirt mound, the airplane slid sideways, drifted off of the air strip to the right, and impacted terrain in a ravine. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and to the fuselage.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA189 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 18, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hanksville, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Hidden Splendor (U660)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182Q
- N-number
- N735JB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- 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.