Probable cause
The pilot's decision to takeoff on a partially obstructed runway, which resulted in a collision with trees.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, while taxiing onto the runway of his private airstrip, he noticed that there were dogs on the runway. The pilot decided to position his airplane on the left side of the runway in order to accommodate the canines during his takeoff roll. The pilot reported that shortly after rotation, the airplane's left wing tip struck a tree. The pilot stated that the forces from impact, spun the airplane 90 degrees to the left, into the tree line where the airplane came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies existed that would have prevented normal flight operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA278 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 25, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ama, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- Na (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182A
- N-number
- N6361B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1957
- 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.