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NTSB Report
July 4, 1985 · Cessna 172B · N51611
Valley Center, KS
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Valley Center, KS
Aircraft
Cessna 172B
Tail Number
N51611
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC85LA148
THE PILOT HAD BEEN FLYING WITH HIS YOUNG SON AS PASSENGER DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. HE WENT SOLO TO GET CURRENT AT NIGHT. AFTER TWO FULL STOP LANDINGS, HE THOUGHT THE YOKE FELT HEAVY FOR THE TRIM SETTING HE USUALLY USED BUT HE STARTED A TAKEOFF ANYWAY. HALFWAY DOWN THE RUNWAY HE USED MORE NOSE-UP TRIM BUT THE CONTROLS STILL FELT HEAVY SO HE ABORTED THE TAKEOFF. HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP ON THE RUNWAY AND WENT OFF THE FOUR FOOT HIGH BANK OF DIRT. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE ELEVATOR TRIM POSITION INDICATOR DID NOT INDICATE THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE ELEVATOR TRIM.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT HAD BEEN FLYING WITH HIS YOUNG SON AS PASSENGER DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. HE WENT SOLO TO GET CURRENT AT NIGHT. AFTER TWO FULL STOP LANDINGS, HE THOUGHT THE YOKE FELT HEAVY FOR THE TRIM SETTING HE USUALLY USED BUT HE STARTED A TAKEOFF ANYWAY. HALFWAY DOWN THE RUNWAY HE USED MORE NOSE-UP TRIM BUT THE CONTROLS STILL FELT HEAVY SO HE ABORTED THE TAKEOFF. HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP ON THE RUNWAY AND WENT OFF THE FOUR FOOT HIGH BANK OF DIRT. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE ELEVATOR TRIM POSITION INDICATOR DID NOT INDICATE THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE ELEVATOR TRIM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:20 CDT
Nearest AirportHigh Point (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172B
Tail NumberN51611
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2J · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind135°
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO