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NTSB Report
March 17, 1988 · Cessna 177 · N34603
Tok, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 17, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Tok, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 177
Tail Number
N34603
Operator
Howard Robert R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC88LA041
THE PRIVATE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKE-OFF AT DUSK WITH A LEFT MAIN GEAR WHEEL BRAKE THAT WAS FROZEN IN THE 'ON' POSITION. HE HAD UNSUCCESSFULLY ATTEMPTED TO FREE THE BRAKE PRIOR TO TAKE0FF, BUT FELT THAT HE COULD GET THE AIRPLANE AIRBORNE BY SKIDDING THE TIRE ALONG THE TOP OF THE SNOW AND ICE COVERED RUNWAY. HE SUBSEQUENTLY WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE TAKE-OFF ROLL AND STRUCK A RUNWAY EDGE LIGHT WITH THE AIRPLANE'S STABILATOR. HE COMPLETED THE FLIGHT UNEVENTFULLY, AND DID NOT DISCOVER THE DAMAGE TO THE STABILATOR UNTIL AFTER HE LANDED. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE ATTEMPTED TO TAKE-OFF WITH THE BRAKE FROZEN, AND THAT HE POSSIBLY COULD HAVE AVOIDED THE RUNWAY LIGHT IF IT HAD BEEN LIGHTED, BUT IT WAS ACTIVATED ON COMMAND VIA THE AIRPLANE'S RADIO, AND HE DID NOT KNOW WHICH FREQUENCY TO USE.
Full Narrative
THE PRIVATE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKE-OFF AT DUSK WITH A LEFT MAIN GEAR WHEEL BRAKE THAT WAS FROZEN IN THE 'ON' POSITION. HE HAD UNSUCCESSFULLY ATTEMPTED TO FREE THE BRAKE PRIOR TO TAKE0FF, BUT FELT THAT HE COULD GET THE AIRPLANE AIRBORNE BY SKIDDING THE TIRE ALONG THE TOP OF THE SNOW AND ICE COVERED RUNWAY. HE SUBSEQUENTLY WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE TAKE-OFF ROLL AND STRUCK A RUNWAY EDGE LIGHT WITH THE AIRPLANE'S STABILATOR. HE COMPLETED THE FLIGHT UNEVENTFULLY, AND DID NOT DISCOVER THE DAMAGE TO THE STABILATOR UNTIL AFTER HE LANDED. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE ATTEMPTED TO TAKE-OFF WITH THE BRAKE FROZEN, AND THAT HE POSSIBLY COULD HAVE AVOIDED THE RUNWAY LIGHT IF IT HAD BEEN LIGHTED, BUT IT WAS ACTIVATED ON COMMAND VIA THE AIRPLANE'S RADIO, AND HE DID NOT KNOW WHICH FREQUENCY TO USE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 AKST
Nearest AirportTOK (0nm N)
Runway25
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 177
Tail NumberN34603
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHoward Robert R
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1F6D · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility4 sm
CeilingOvercast 2000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO