Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172K near Greers Ferry, AR — 2012-07-04

Final reportCEN12CA422
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Date
2012-07-04
Location
Greers Ferry, AR, USA
Airport
33AR
Aircraft
CESSNA 172K
Registration
N84279
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain a positive rate of climb while taking off with a high density altitude.

NTSB narrative

The airplane reached an altitude of about 80 feet above the ground during takeoff when it started to sink. The airplane descended, and the left wing contacted 20-foot trees, spinning the airplane around. The airplane then descended to the ground, coming to rest alongside a building. The left wing was substantially damaged. The field elevation at the departure airport was 630 feet and density altitude was calculated to be 3,790 feet. The pilot stated that taking off with a cooler temperature and less weight in the airplane could have prevented the accident. The pilot did not recognize and compensate for the high density altitude that existed at the time of takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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