Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On September 9, 1993, at approximately 1435 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 180, N4719B, sustained substantial damage during the takeoff roll when it encountered variable crosswinds near Watkins, Colorado. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight.

The Pilot/Operator report prepared by the pilot stated that the winds were 020 degrees to 040 degrees off runway 08 at 14 knots gusting to 17 knots. The pilot further stated that the wind shifted to 360 degrees after the tail was off the runway. He was not able to maintain control of the airplane and it came to rest inverted on the edge of the runway. Damage occurred to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, wings, and propeller. THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR SHIFTING WINDS.