Cessna 182E Skylane, N3024Y: Accident occurred March 20, 2018 at Rapid City Regional Airport (KRAP), Pennington County, South Dakota

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Rapid City, South Dakota 

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N3024Y

Analysis

The pilot reported that, while departing from a short snow-covered airstrip, the airplane's nose wheel lifted off upon arriving at the "go/no go" decision point. He added that, about 30 ft. further the airplane encountered deeper snow and the nose landing gear lowered to the ground. Subsequently, he reduced the throttle and aborted the takeoff. The airplane exited the airstrip to the left, the right wing encountered terrain, and the airplane spun 180° and came to rest in a ditch.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the elevator and both wings.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and runway excursion.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Cause)
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Snow/slush/ice covered surface - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Runway excursion

Location: Rapid City, SD
Accident Number: GAA18CA173
Date & Time: 03/20/2018, 1020 MDT
Registration: N3024Y
Aircraft: CESSNA 182
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that, while departing from a short snow-covered airstrip, the airplane's nose wheel lifted off upon arriving at the "go/no go" decision point. He added that, about 30 ft. further the airplane encountered deeper snow and the nose landing gear lowered to the ground. Subsequently, he reduced the throttle and aborted the takeoff. The airplane exited the airstrip to the left, the right wing encountered terrain, and the airplane spun 180° and came to rest in a ditch.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the elevator and both wings.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 69, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/01/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 3920 hours (Total, all aircraft), 306 hours (Total, this make and model), 26 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N3024Y
Model/Series: 182 E
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1962
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18254024
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/17/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2800 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470 SERIES
Registered Owner: CURTIS LEE TEMPLE
Rated Power: 230 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KRAP, 3168 ft msl
Observation Time: 1552 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 303°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: -3°C / -4°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Rapid City, SD
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: RAPID CITY, SD (RAP)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1020 MDT
Type of Airspace:  Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:   43.973889, -102.903611 (est)