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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

July 14, 1996 · Cessna 172 · N78149

Frederick, MD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 14, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Frederick, MD
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N78149
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD96LA118

The pilot stated that he aborted the first takeoff attempt because of a '...severe shimmy... .' Inspection revealed no anomalies, so the pilot attempted a second takeoff. The pilot reported, 'When back pressure was applied on the second takeoff attempt, the shimmy was less noticeable. However, because of the back pressure, the plane became airborne at relatively low airspeed; back pressure was not appropriately released; and, after reaching an altitude of between 10 and 15 feet, the plane settled to the runway. The plane landed on its nose gear which collapsed, the propeller and right wing tip contacted the runway, and the plane stopped.'

NTSB Probable Cause

the private pilot's inadvertently stalling the airplane immediately after takeoff. A related factor was the pilot's improper procedures during lift-off.

Full Narrative

On July 14, 1996, at about 1200 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172, N78149, sustained substantial damage when it collided with the runway shortly after takeoff from runway 23 at Frederick Municipal Airport, in Frederick, Maryland. The certificated private pilot and the two passengers reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, no flight plan was filed. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91. The flight originated from Frederick Municipal Airport at 1159, with an intended destination of Gaithersburg, Maryland. The pilot reported that during a previous takeoff attempt from Frederick "...a severe shimmy was felt in the aircraft." He added that the takeoff was aborted and that the aircraft was inspected prior to the next takeoff with no anomalies noted. The pilot said, "In a telephone call to the plane's home base, it was learned that this particular plane had a chronic nose shimmy, and it was suggested that maintaining back pressure on takeoff would solve the problem. When back pressure was applied on the second takeoff attempt, the shimmy was less noticeable. However, because of the back pressure, the plane became airborne at relatively low airspeed; back pressure was not appropriately released; and, after reaching an altitude of between 10 and 15 feet, the plane settled to the runway. The plane landed on its nose gear which collapsed, the propeller and right wing tip contacted the runway, and the plane stopped."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EDT
Nearest AirportFrederick Municipal Arpt (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length5220 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN78149
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data