Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ANC13CA003

Buckland, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N8808

CESSNA 172D

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was departing from a soft, off-airport site, and just after takeoff, the airplane settled back to the runway. During the touchdown, the left wheel hit a soft spot, and the airplane veered to the left and into a creek bed where it collided with terrain. Upon exiting the airplane, the pilot noticed flames in the engine compartment. Unable to extinguish the flames, the airplane was consumed by a postcrash fire. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that he was departing from a soft, off-airport site, and just after takeoff, the airplane settled back to the runway. During the touchdown, the left wheel hit a soft spot, and the airplane veered to the left and into a creek bed where it collided with terrain. Upon exiting the airplane, the pilot noticed flames in the engine compartment. Unable to extinguish the flames, the airplane was consumed by a postcrash fire. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's loss of airplane control during takeoff from an off-airport site, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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