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NTSB Report
February 28, 1991 · Cessna 172 · N7119T
Oregon City, OR
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 28, 1991
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 serious injuries)
Location
Oregon City, OR
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N7119T
Operator
Merle D Kirchem
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA91FA059
THE PILOT INITIATED A TAKEOFF UPHILL ON A GRASS AIRSTRIP IN TAILWIND WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE ACFT LIFTED OFF NEAR MID-FIELD, SETTLED BACK TO THE GROUND, AND TOOK OFF AGAIN 150 FEET FROM THE END OF THE STRIP. THE ACFT IMPACTED BERRY VINES AT THE END OF THE STRIP, ROLLED 90 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT AND IMPACTED A TREE OFF THE END OF THE AIRSTRIP. EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THE RIGHT BRAKE CYLINDER WAS CORRODED AND THE BRAKE WAS BINDING. THE A & P MECHANIC WHO SIGNED OFF AN ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE ACFT JUST BEFORE THE ACCIDENT DID NOT HAVE ACFT INSP AUTH.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN PROPER AIRSPEED BEFORE TAKEOFF. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE BINDING BRAKE, THE UPHILL GRASS AIRSTRIP, THE TAIL WIND WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE IMPROPER ANNUAL INSPECTION THAT WAS JUST COMPLETED ON THE AIRCRAFT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT INITIATED A TAKEOFF UPHILL ON A GRASS AIRSTRIP IN TAILWIND WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE ACFT LIFTED OFF NEAR MID-FIELD, SETTLED BACK TO THE GROUND, AND TOOK OFF AGAIN 150 FEET FROM THE END OF THE STRIP. THE ACFT IMPACTED BERRY VINES AT THE END OF THE STRIP, ROLLED 90 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT AND IMPACTED A TREE OFF THE END OF THE AIRSTRIP. EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THE RIGHT BRAKE CYLINDER WAS CORRODED AND THE BRAKE WAS BINDING. THE A & P MECHANIC WHO SIGNED OFF AN ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE ACFT JUST BEFORE THE ACCIDENT DID NOT HAVE ACFT INSP AUTH.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:35 PST
Nearest AirportAero Acres (0nm SW)
Runway21
Runway Length1835 ft
Runway Width300 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN7119T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorMerle D Kirchem
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 serious injuries)
Fatal1
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 6 kt
Visibility45 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 39 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:50
Weather SourceWFAC