Ogallala, NE, USA
N5359D
Cessna C180A
The airplane was substantially damaged when it ground looped during takeoff. The pilot stated that his window popped open during takeoff causing him to become distracted. He stated that the airplane started to turn right, and he was unable to regain control.
On July 22, 2002, at 0900 mountain daylight time, a Cessna C180A, N5359D, operated by Harris Aerial Survey, was substantially damaged when it ground looped during takeoff from runway 13 (3,698 feet by 50 feet, asphalt) at the Searle Field Airport, Ogallala, Nebraska. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 business flight was not operating on a flight plan. The commercial pilot and passenger were uninjured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was en route to the Couer D' Alene Air Term Airport, Couer D' Alene, Idaho. The pilot stated in a written statement, "Started takeoff roll to get fuel at Scotts Bluff about 0900 at about 700 [feet] and 50 mph window poped open possibly causing momentary distraction airplane started to right and I was unable to bring it back left runway and started back to left airplane stoped before left wing hit ground [sic]"
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft. The open window diverting the pilot's attention was a contributing factor.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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