Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Salmon, ID — 2016-11-08

Final reportGAA17CA076
Sign in to save
Date
2016-11-08
Location
Salmon, ID, USA
Airport
85U
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N737MY
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The airplane's encounter with a depression in a dirt runway during takeoff, which resulted in a tail strike.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during takeoff on a dirt runway he rotated the airplane and as it "went through a dip in the airstrip" he felt a "thump" [tail strike]. The pilot further reported that the airplane became airborne and he continued the flight uneventfully. During a postflight inspection, it was revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the bulkhead and lower skin of the tail cone. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

Related mishaps