ENGLEWOOD, CO, USA
N44623
BEECH D18-S
DURING A PART 135 OPERATION, THE PILOT TAXIED INTO POSITION, CHECKED THE TAIL WHEEL LOCKING LEVER, AND COMMENCED THE TAKEOFF RUN IN GUSTING WINDS. THE GUSTS EXCEEDED THE CROSS WIND LIMITS FOR THE AIRCRAFT. THE TAIL WHEEL WAS NOT LOCKED AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS LOST. THE AIRPLANE GROUND LOOPED AND DEPARTED THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY INTO A DITCH.
THE LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL BY THE PILOT. FACTORS WERE: THE CROSS, FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO LOCK THE TAIL WHEEL, AND THE PILOT'S DISREGARD OF CROSSWIND LIMITATIONS.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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