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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

July 23, 2003 · Cessna 180C · N767RK

Punkin Center, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 23, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Punkin Center, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna 180C
Tail Number
N767RK
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03LA240

The airplane collided with a power line and trees during takeoff initial climb from the 1,000-foot-long dirt runway. The pilot reported that his airplane accelerated normally on runway 23. However, during the 40-degree quartering tailwind takeoff, the airplane did not gain altitude as rapidly as he had anticipated. No mechanical malfunction was reported. The wind was from 090 degrees, and its speed was about 5 knots with occasional 10-knot gusts. The ambient temperature was estimated at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the airstrip's elevation was 2,620 feet mean sea level. The Safety Board estimated that the density altitude was about 6,000 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and failure to attain adequate climb rate to ensure clearance from obstacles. The tailwind and high density altitude were factors.

Full Narrative

On July 22, 2003, about 1755 mountain standard time, a Cessna 180C, N767RK, collided with a power line and trees 30 feet above ground level during initial climb from an uncharted private airstrip. The accident site was located about 1 mile south of Punkin Center, Arizona. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot, and it was substantially damaged. The private pilot received minor injuries. The personal flight was originating, and it was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was filed. The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that the airplane accelerated normally on the dirt surfaced runway 23, which was 1,000 feet long. However, during the downwind takeoff, the airplane did not gain altitude as rapidly as he had anticipated. No mechanical malfunction was reported. The pilot also reported that the he estimated the surface wind was from 090 degrees, and its speed was about 5 knots. There were occasional gusts to 10 knots. The ambient temperature was estimated at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the airstrip's elevation was 2,620 feet mean sea level. The Safety Board investigator calculated that the approximate density altitude was 6,000 feet. The quartering tailwind was about 40 degrees left of the airplane's departure course on the dirt surfaced runway.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:55 MST
Nearest AirportPunkin Center (1nm SSW)
Runway23
Runway Length1000 ft
Runway Width65 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180C
Tail NumberN767RK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470L · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 61 F
Altimeter29.70 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data