Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 170A near Baker Lake, WA — 2011-02-11

Final reportWPR11CA132
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Date
2011-02-11
Location
Baker Lake, WA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 170A
Registration
N9768A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's encounter with soft terrain during an attempted takeoff from a dry lake bed.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he performed about 20 touch-and-go practice takeoffs and landings on the dry lake bed prior to the accident. He stated that the terrain was mostly flat, but in places it was uneven and rough. During the last landing, the airplane's wheels became bogged down in the soft terrain, and the propeller struck the ground. The pilot shut down the engine, inspected the propeller, and examined the planned takeoff path for suitability. Thereafter, he attempted to depart. As the airplane accelerated, the left main landing gear encountered an area of soft dirt. The airplane impacted a berm whereupon it nosed over, bending the wing structure and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot further reported that no mechanical malfunction had precipitated the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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