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NTSB Report
November 17, 1982 · Cessna 170B · N2780D
Elim, AK
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 17, 1982
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Location
Elim, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 170B
Tail Number
N2780D
Operator
Harry W James
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC83LA015
ACCORDING TO A WITNESS, THE ACFT LIFTED OFF THE RWY ABOUT MIDFIELD, CLIMBED TO ABOUT 30-50 FT AGL & THEN BEGAN A DIVE. THE WITNESS HEARD NO CHANGE IN ENG SOUND. THE ACFT'S WING FIRST STRUCK A BOX SET ON TOP OF OTHER EQUIPMENT ON THE GROUND(ABOUT 4 FT 6 IN HIGH), STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD ON A SNOWMOBILE & THEN STRUCK THE VICTIM WHO WAS THROWN 15-20 FT. THE WITNESS STATED HE HAD TO DIVE TO THE GROUND TO ESCAPE INJURY. HE ALSO STATED HE HAD OBSERVED THE PLT'S ACFT DIVE AT PEOPLE ON A PREVIOUS OCCASION. THE PLT STATED HE WAS PRACTICING A FORCED LANDING.
Full Narrative
ACCORDING TO A WITNESS, THE ACFT LIFTED OFF THE RWY ABOUT MIDFIELD, CLIMBED TO ABOUT 30-50 FT AGL & THEN BEGAN A DIVE. THE WITNESS HEARD NO CHANGE IN ENG SOUND. THE ACFT'S WING FIRST STRUCK A BOX SET ON TOP OF OTHER EQUIPMENT ON THE GROUND(ABOUT 4 FT 6 IN HIGH), STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD ON A SNOWMOBILE & THEN STRUCK THE VICTIM WHO WAS THROWN 15-20 FT. THE WITNESS STATED HE HAD TO DIVE TO THE GROUND TO ESCAPE INJURY. HE ALSO STATED HE HAD OBSERVED THE PLT'S ACFT DIVE AT PEOPLE ON A PREVIOUS OCCASION. THE PLT STATED HE WAS PRACTICING A FORCED LANDING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:30 AHST
Nearest AirportELIM (0nm N)
Runway1
Runway Length1975 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 170B
Tail NumberN2780D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHarry W James
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-145 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 8 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 0 C
Altimeter0