Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to adjust his seat during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the seat sliding aft and a subsequent loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the airplane reported that during the takeoff roll he attempted to adjust his seat forward. The seat slid to the full aft position. As a result, the pilot could no longer reach the pedals to maintain directional control. The airplane subsequently departed the runway and nosed over. The pilot was seriously injured and the airplane fuselage, wings and empennage sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA038 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 3, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Andreas, California
- Nearest airport
- Calaveras County Maury Rasmuss (CPU)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182P
- N-number
- N1303S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.