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Soft field takeoff goes awry

By NTSB · May 27, 2021 ·

The airline transport pilot reported that he configured the Cessna 172 with 10º of flaps during a soft field takeoff at the airport in Dexter, Michigan, with a takeoff run of about 600 feet.

After the initial climb, about 75 knots, he retracted the flaps, trimmed the aircraft for normal climb, and verified full engine power.

About 100 feet above the ground and about two-thirds down the runway, the airplane started to decelerate to about 65 knots. He leveled the airplane and did not hear the stall warning horn activate nor recalled if the engine rpms decreased or if the engine failed producing power.

The airplane continued to decelerate and rapidly descended, even when the pilot verified that the throttle was full open, the mixture full rich, the carburetor heat off, and the elevators at neutral position.

Before impact, in an attempt to level the airplane, he smoothly pulled the yoke aft, but the airplane did not pitch up. The nosewheel hit the ground and the airplane nosed over.

The tailcone and both wings were substantially damaged. The pilot was seriously injured in the crash.

During a post-examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector, engine and airframe continuity were confirmed. The inspector further reported that the s-bend damage to the propeller was consistent with the engine producing power. The inspector added that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause: The airplane’s failure to maintain a climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB Identification: 99417

Uphill in grass with loaded Skyhawk makes 600′ seem optimistic. This pilot, non-current in Skyhawk (but 737 type-rated), expected too much performance and rotated/climbed too slowly (induced drag)? Definitely mushed/stalled back onto the ground due to non-currency and unfamiliarity.

This May 2019 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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Comments

  1. Warren Webb Jr says

    May 28, 2021 at 7:04 am

    Reminds me of when I would check out an airline pilot after they hadn’t flown a Skyhawk in at least 10 years. They obviously were proficient in Skyhawks at one time, but every one of them would flare about 20 feet too high on the first landing attempt. Muscle memory from years in the airliner is a challenge to overcome.

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