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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

September 29, 1998 · Cessna 172D · N2479Y

Ronan, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ronan, MT
Aircraft
Cessna 172D
Tail Number
N2479Y
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA98LA189

The pilot reported that while attempting to execute a soft field takeoff on a private, non-identified, turf airstrip, he pulled the aircraft's nose up prematurely. The aircraft then settled back to the surface and the pilot allowed the aircraft to accelerate before pulling the nose up a second time. On this occasion, all three wheels left the surface. Immediately thereafter, while still in ground effect, the aircraft veered left off of the takeoff surface. The pilot reported that he could not maintain directional control, and the aircraft went through a barbed-wire fence, striking several fence posts in the process. Density altitude at the closest weather reporting station was approximately 4,792 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed during liftoff from a soft field takeoff. Factors include high density alttiude.

Full Narrative

On September 29, 1998, approximately 1700 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172D, N2479Y, registered to and being flown by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a loss of control while on the initial takeoff roll at a private, non-identified, turf airstrip near Ronan, Montana. The pilot and his wife were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and was destined for Spangle, Washington. The pilot reported that while attempting to execute a soft field takeoff to the south on the turf airstrip, he pulled the aircraft's nose up prematurely. The aircraft then settled back to the surface and the pilot allowed the aircraft to accelerate before pulling the nose up a second time. On this occasion, all three wheels left the surface. Immediately thereafter, while still in ground effect, the aircraft veered left off of the takeoff surface. The pilot reported that he could not maintain directional control, and the aircraft went through a barbed-wire fence, striking several fence posts in the process. Density altitude was approximately 4,792 feet at Missoula, Montana, 40 nautical miles south. In his written response, the pilot recommended that instructors should teach students how to or when to abort bad takeoffs, and to be more aware of those procedures. He stated that he only had one or two seconds to make the decision, and he "made the wrong one."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 MDT
Nearest AirportBaer'S Airstrip (0nm)
Runway0
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172D
Tail NumberN2479Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300C · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data