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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 12, 1994 · Cessna 170A · N1389D

Wolf Creek, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 12, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Wolf Creek, MT
Aircraft
Cessna 170A
Tail Number
N1389D
Operator
Schneider Gregory M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA94LA146

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT JUST AFTER TAKEOFF FROM A GRASS STRIP, A CLIMBING LEFT TURN WAS INITIATED. DURING THE TURN, THE AIRPLANE DID NOT CLIMB SUFFICIENTLY TO CLEAR THE NEARBY TERRAIN. THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN ON THE SIDE OF A HILL AND COLLIDED WITH TREES. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

NTSB Probable Cause

POOR IN FLIGHT PLANNING. THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WAS A FACTOR.

Full Narrative

On June 12, 1994, at 1600 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 170A, N1389D, collided with trees shortly after take off from a private airstrip near Wolf Creek, Montana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The pilot reported that the ground roll and take off were under normal conditions with a quartering headwind from the left. After the airplane became airborne, the pilot initiated a climbing left turn, however, the airplane did not climb sufficiently to clear the terrain, and the flight controls were not responding to the pilot's inputs. The airplane completed a 180 degree turn and began to lose altitude. The airplane touched down on the south bank of the creek where, during the landing roll, it collided with trees. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that at the time of the accident, the temperature was 70 degrees, and the field elevation at the airstrip is 4,000 feet. The Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Helena, Montana Flight Standards District Office, reported that the airstrip was dry and covered with approximately three foot tall grass. The surrounding mountains are in close proximity to the airstrip and maneuverability is limited.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 MDT
Nearest AirportO'Connel Ranch (1nm S)
Runway27
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width70 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170A
Tail NumberN1389D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSchneider Gregory M
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind225° @ 8 kt, gusting 10 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data