Aviation Accident Summary MIA98LA216

TUSKEGEE, AL, USA

Aircraft #1

N7884U

Cessna 172F

Analysis

The airplane had taken off to the north, on a runway that slopes upward, with power lines as an obstruction at the departure end of the runway. The turf runway was 1800 feet long. As the airplane started to climb, the landing gear struck the power lines, the airplane fell to the ground, caught on fire and burned. The pilot stated that he usually takes off to the south, but a 'tailwind' caused him to takeoff to the north. He further stated he started his takeoff run and the airplane '...didn't gain speed like it should have. He said he 'should have stopped [the] takeoff, [but] waited too late. Rotated with too low a airspeed, could not clear power lines, cut wire and went into trees.' In addition, the pilot told the FAA that he did not have any engine problems.

Factual Information

On August 2, 1998, about 1845 central daylight time, a Cessna 172F, N7884U, registered to a private individual, crashed near Tuskegee, Alabama, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions were reported and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The private-rated pilot and one passenger reported minor injuries. The flight was originating from a private airstrip at the time. The airplane had taken off to the north, on a runway that slopes upward, with power lines as an obstruction at the departure end of the runway. As the airplane started to climb, the landing gear struck the power lines, the airplane fell to the ground, caught on fire and burned. The pilot stated that he usually takes off to the south, but a "tailwind" caused him to takeoff to the north. He further stated he started his takeoff run and the airplane "...didn't gain speed like it should have. [I] should have stopped [the] takeoff, waited too late. Rotated with too low a airspeed, could not clear power lines, cut wire and went into trees." In addition, the pilot told the FAA that he did not have any engine problems.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed, and his failure to abort the takeoff.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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