Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172N near Henderson, NV — 2013-04-28

Final reportWPR13LA209
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Date
2013-04-28
Location
Henderson, NV, USA
Airport
HND
Aircraft
CESSNA 172N
Registration
N3483E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, including operating in excess of the maximum certified gross weight and center of gravity limits at a high density altitude, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to maintain a positive rate of climb after takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the engine rpm began to decrease and the airplane was unable to maintain a positive rate of climb. The pilot initiated a left turn to return to the runway, however, the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot decided to land on a road, and during the landing roll, the right wing struck rocky terrain. At the time of the accident, the airplane exceeded gross weight limitations, the center of gravity was beyond the aft limit, and the density altitude was higher than standard. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to weight and balance issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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