Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and runway alignment.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane became airborne about 2/3 of the way down the runway during an attempted soft-field takeoff from a dirt runway. He said that he was unable to maintain an adequate airspeed and drifted off to the left side of the runway and impacted bushes and shrubs. During the accident sequence, the front landing gear folded back and the left main landing gear broke off. The outboard half of the right wing was partially separated.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA131 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 27, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Amargosa Valley, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Amargosa Airport (70CL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna TR182
- N-number
- N2518S
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.