Failure to maintain clearance results in fire

By NTSB · January 7, 2016 ·

The pilot reported that during takeoff from a private dirt runway in Wikieup, Arizona, the Cessna 170’s main wheel landing gear hit a dirt berm.

The airplane nosed over and a post-accident fire ensued, which consumed the fuselage and inboard portion of both wings.

The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during takeoff.

NTSB Identification: WPR14CA107

This January 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.

About NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. It determines the probable causes of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

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