Cessna 182J N2701F accident near Delle, Utah

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to properly monitor the environment during the departure from a gravel parking area and runway, which resulted in the airplane’s collision with a mound of gravel.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that a large pile of gravel had been left on the parking area that was near but not directly in line with the start of the runway. The pilot stated that from his airplane’s parking place he could see two signs marking the runway but could not see the pile of gravel between the two signs because it blended with the terrain. The pilot reported that he began his takeoff roll from the gravel parking area, but had not yet reached takeoff speed, when the airplane collided with the pile of gravel, substantially damaging the left wing, firewall and engine mounts. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA179 for the full record.