NTSB Factual Report

On March 26, 2016, about 0900 central daylight time, a Cessna 180A airplane, N9659B, impacted terrain during an attempted departure from the Del Rio International Airport (KDRT), Del Rio, Texas. The private rated pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged during the accident. The airplane was registered to and operated a private individual, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that he started the takeoff roll on runway 31; the airplane's tail came up. The airplane then veered right and he was unable to correct the turn. The airplane departed the right side of the runway, and the airplane came to rest on its left side.

An inspection by the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the wing and fuselage. In addition, the inspector did not find any evidence of a brake/wheel problem with the airplane.

At 0903, the automated weather observation facility located at KDRT recorded; wind from 130 degrees at 11 knots gusting to 17 knots, 10 miles visibility, an overcast sky at 900 ft, temperature 57 degrees Fahrenheit (F), dew point 55 F, and a barometric pressure of 29.88 inches of mercury.

Previously, the KDRT weather facility recorded at 0853, wind from 120 degrees at 9 knots, 10 miles visibility and overcast sky at 1000 ft. At 0823, the wind was from 110 at 5 knots, 10 miles visibility and a broken sky at 1,200 ft.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control while departing with a gusting tailwind.