Cessna 180 N180SA accident near Albuquerque, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, with the tailwheel raised, a wind gust from the right lifted the right wing. The pilot overcorrected with right aileron control, and the right wing and horizontal stabilizer contacted the runway surface. The airplane subsequently veered off the runway to the left and came to a stop.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the right wing and empennage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system located on the airport reported that, about 13 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 220° at 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots. About 13 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 200° at 8 knots, gusting to 19 knots. The pilot landed on runway 22.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA547 for the full record.