BLOCK ISLAND, RI, USA
N5647A
CESSNA 172A
The airplane collided with trees shortly after a night takeoff from runway 28, which is 2501 feet long. The non-instrument rated private pilot reported a 60 to 100 foot thick fog prevailed at the airport. The pilot initiated takeoff with the flaps set at 10 degrees. He indicated the engine tachometer did not exceed 2300 rpm and the venturi operated attitude indicator did not 'come up' during the takeoff roll. He climbed at 65 knots and then raised the flaps when he realized the airplane lacked climb performance. He noticed trees in his path, which he was unable to outclimb. He pitched the airplane up and struck trees with the tail of the airplane. A witness and one of the passengers reported there was heavy fog during the takeoff. FAA examination of the airplane did not reveal evidence of mechanical malfunction. The airplane was estimated to be 75 pounds over gross weight.
On July 25, 1994 about 2215 eastern daylight time, N5647A, a Cessna 172 airplane, a personal flight, collided with trees during the initial takeoff climb from runway 28 at Block Island State Airport, Rhode Island. The non-instrument rated private pilot and three passengers received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. Instrument meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed. The destination was Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot's statement, "Fog layer was by my estimate to be approximately 100 to 200 feet . . . I climbed out with a half-tank of fuel and four people at 60 mph indicated, and just did not have enough performance . . . The next thing I knew I saw bushes in front. I pulled back to lessen the impact and tried to hit the tail first. The airplane spun approximately 180 degrees after impact." During an interview with the FAA, the pilot reported that the fog at the airport was about 60 to 100 feet thick. He indicated that after takeoff, the vaccum gage didn't seem to work right and that because of the lack of climbing performance, he raised the flaps, which were set at 10 degrees. None of the passengers reported a problem with the airplane during the takeoff. One passenger reported the takeoff occurred in heavy fog. A witness reported heavy fog at the time of the accident. He stated the airplane took off, went into the fog, and disappeared. Shortly thereafter he heard the airplane land into trees (beyond the runway end). The FAA examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions. The propeller blades were curled. The aircraft estimated to be about 75 pounds over gross weight.
The pilot's improper decision to initiate VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. The dark night light conditions and the fog were contributing factors.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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