Cessna 180 N249MD accident near Imnaha, Oregon

Probable cause

The pilot’s continued application of brakes during an aborted takeoff in a tailwind on down-sloping terrain, which resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that he was departing from a down-sloping runway surrounded by terrain that permitted departures only in one direction. He estimated there was a 12-knot tailwind. During the takeoff roll, as the airplane neared the end of the runway the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. The pilot applied and maintained braking input as the airplane briefly became airborne. The airplane touched back down, nosed over, and came to rest inverted on the runway. During the accident sequence, the airplane incurred damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA018 for the full record.