Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX02LA086

Jean, NV, USA

Aircraft #1

N9386C

Cessna 180

Analysis

The pilot reported he was conducting a local area flight and intended to make a stop-and-go landing on the dry lakebed at Jean. After landing and bringing the airplane to a stop, he made a practice short-field takeoff with the first notch of flaps extended. He believed that the airplane encountered a dust devil during the takeoff roll and a ground loop ensued.

Factual Information

On February 10, 2002, at 1200 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 180, N9386C, ground looped during takeoff from a dry lakebed runway near Jean, Nevada. The private-certificated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The local area, personal flight was operated by the owner under 14 CFR Part 91, and departed from Henderson airport, Las Vegas, Nevada, at 1130. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot told the Safety Board investigator he was conducting a local area flight and intended to make a stop-and-go landing on the dry lakebed at Jean. After landing and bringing the airplane to a stop, he made a practice short-field takeoff with the first notch of flaps extended. He believed that the airplane encountered a dust devil during the takeoff roll and a ground loop ensued.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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