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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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June 21, 2000 · Cessna 172K · N84105

Orchard, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 21, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Orchard, CO
Aircraft
Cessna 172K
Tail Number
N84105
Operator
Champion Airviews
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DEN00LA115

While was en route from Greeley to Akron, Colorado, the pilot observed smoke coming from the cowling. He made a precautionary landing on a beach alongside a reservoir. After landing, the pilot inspected the airplane but couldn't find the smoke source. After a period of time to allow the smoke to dissipate, the pilot prepared for takeoff. He said all engine instrument indications were normal and maximum engine power was being developed. A short field takeoff was made, and he lifted off 'prior to [the] go-no go decision point.' As the airplane crossed over the water, it began losing altitude. The right wing dropped and the airplane struck the water and nosed over. The pilot surmised that the smoke source was due to the 'breaking in' of the newly installed muffler and exhaust stacks.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane. A factor was his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed.

Full Narrative

On June 20, 2000, approximately 2145 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172K, N84105, operated by Champion Airviews Co., of Port Orange, Florida, was destroyed when it collided with water during takeoff from a beach near Orchard, Colorado. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Greeley, Colorado, approximately 1830. In a telephone interview (and repeated in his accident report), the pilot said that while he was en route to Akron, Colorado, he observed smoke coming from the cowling and a light smoke entered the cockpit. He elected to make a precautionary landing on a beach alongside the Riverside Reservoir. After landing, the pilot inspected the airplane but couldn't find the smoke source. After a period of time to allow the smoke to dissipate, the pilot prepared for takeoff. He said all engine instrument indications were normal and maximum engine power was being developed. A short field takeoff was made, and he lifted off "prior to [the] go-no go decision point." As the airplane crossed over the water, it began losing altitude. The right wing dropped and the airplane struck the water and nosed over. The pilot noted that extensive maintenance had been performed on the airplane and on two different occasions, he had made off-airport precautionary landings due to smoke in the cockpit. In the first incident, wiring inside the transponder had burned. In the second incident, unsecured wires had chaffed against a bus bar and short circuited. He surmised that the smoke source during this latest incident was due to the "breaking in" of the newly installed muffler and exhaust stacks. The airplane was submerged and water damaged. Additionally, there was damage to both wings and empennage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:45 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172K
Tail NumberN84105
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorChampion Airviews
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind70° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time03:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data