CESSNA 172M near Watertown, CT — 2014-09-09

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to takeoff from a field which resulted in a collision with trees and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to correctly identify the destination airport and runway, which resulted in an off-airport landing in the field.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he was utilizing an iPad for navigation, and mistakenly landed in a field rather than his intended destination, an airport with a turf runway. After landing, he taxied the airplane to a corner of the field and commenced a takeoff roll, estimating the available takeoff distance to be about 600 feet. Just after takeoff, the left wing struck a tree and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and engine firewall. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or abnormalities with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) · Initial climb
• Decision Making / Judgment
• Planning / Preparation

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Pilot Signed Statement to FAAinterview
• Memorandum for Record – Oxford Weatherother
• Photo 1 – View of Main Wreckage at Rest (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Photo 2 –View of Firewall Damage (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos

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