Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 170 near Sealy, TX — 2024-05-15

Final reportCEN24LA192
Sign in to save
Date
2024-05-15
Location
Sealy, TX, USA
Airport
1XA7
Aircraft
CESSNA 170
Registration
N74887
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff, that resulted in an impact with a tree and the ground.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported during the takeoff from the turf runway with a crosswind present, he advanced the throttle “a little too fast.” As the tail of the airplane lifted off the ground, the pilot admitted he failed to apply “consistent” right rudder. The pilot closed the throttle and applied the brakes; however the left wing impacted a tree, the airplane spun to the left, and the right wing and the right elevator impacted the ground. The airplane came to rest upright in a ditch, and all three occupants were able to egress from the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the right elevator. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. At the time of the accident, the airplane was 59 pounds below the maximum gross weight. The estimated density altitude for the closest meteorological reporting station, near the time of the accident, was 2,711 ft above mean sea level.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps