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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

May 12, 1991 · Cessna 177 · N3345T

Decatur, IN

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Decatur, IN
Aircraft
Cessna 177
Tail Number
N3345T
Operator
Clark Smith/ Ralph Biggs
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI91LA153

THE PILOT SAID THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM THE SHORT, SOD STRIP, THE AIRCRAFT FAILED TO ATTAIN POSITIVE LIFT OFF/CLIMB SPEED AND SETTLED BACK TO THE TERRAIN. THE AIR TEMPERATURE WAS 84 DEGREES, AND THE VEGETATION ON THE RUNWAY WAS ABOUT 5 TO 6 INCHES TALL. THE HORIZONTAL STABILATOR SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. POST ACCIDNET INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MALFUNCTIONS.

NTSB Probable Cause

FAILURE TO OBTAIN AIRSPEED FOR POSITIVE LIFT OFF AND CLIMB. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE A GRASS/SOD RUNWAY AND A HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT SAID THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM THE SHORT, SOD STRIP, THE AIRCRAFT FAILED TO ATTAIN POSITIVE LIFT OFF/CLIMB SPEED AND SETTLED BACK TO THE TERRAIN. THE AIR TEMPERATURE WAS 84 DEGREES, AND THE VEGETATION ON THE RUNWAY WAS ABOUT 5 TO 6 INCHES TALL. THE HORIZONTAL STABILATOR SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. POST ACCIDNET INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MALFUNCTIONS.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 EDT
Nearest AirportGAGE (1nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 177
Tail NumberN3345T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorClark Smith/ Ralph Biggs
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 75 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time17:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data