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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 23, 1996 · Cessna 152 · N49794

Stehekin, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 23, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Stehekin, WA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N49794
Operator
Apple Valley Air
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA96LA163

While departing from a dirt runway in mountainous terrain, the airplane hit trees at the departure end of the runway. The pilot stated that the airplane seemed to have good speed on the takeoff roll; however, by the time he was over the trees at the end of the runway, the stall warning buzzer was sounding. The pilot said he could not get the airplane to clear the trees. The airport elevation was 1230 feet msl. Weather at the time was reported by the pilot to be 85 degrees with a pressure reading of 30.00. Under these conditions, the density altitude was about 3080 ft.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper planning/decision, and his failure to ensure that the airplane would remain clear of trees during the takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: high density altitude, and the proximity of trees to the runway.

Full Narrative

On July 23, 1996, approximately 1415 Pacific Daylight time, a Cessna 152, N49794, operated by Apple Valley Air in Omak, WA, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees near Stehekin State Airport near Stehekin, WA. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The 14 CFR 91 personal flight was on takeoff from Stehekin to Omak, Washington when the aircraft hit trees. During a telephone interview with the pilot, he stated that he seemed to have good speed on the takeoff roll. However, by the time he was over the trees at the end of the runway, he said that the stall warning buzzer was sounding and he could not clear the trees. In the pilot's accident report he stated that "Power stall on takeoff, hit tops of trees at 40 knots, flash engine fire immediately, plane then fell approx 30ft." The Stehekin State Airport is at 1230 feet MSL. Weather at the time was reported by the pilot to be 85 degrees with a pressure reading of 30.00. Under these conditions the density altitude was about 3080 ft. The operator estimated the fuel on board at takeoff was about 19 to 21 gallons.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 PDT
Nearest AirportStehekin State (1nm NW)
Runway32
Runway Length2700 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN49794
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorApple Valley Air
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 4 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data