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NTSB Report
April 13, 2008 · Cessna 172S · N21705
Gualala, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 13, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Gualala, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172S
Tail Number
N21705
Operator
West Valley Flying Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA102
The airport manager said the airplane began its takeoff on the 2,500-foot-long runway 13 from the displaced threshold, which is 400 feet from the approach end of the runway. The pilot said he rotated at 55 knots and the airplane lifted off the runway but would not climb. Almost immediately, the stall warning horn began to sound and he lowered the nose to gain speed. The airplane then settled back onto the runway. The pilot reduced the power and began applying brakes to abort the takeoff. The airplane overran the end of the runway, went down a hillside, and collided with trees about 600 feet from the runway. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's decision not to use all of the available runway, his premature rotation and failure to obtain and maintain an adequate airspeed to continue the takeoff that resulted in a stall/mush, an aborted takeoff, a runway overrun, and a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the short runway.
Full Narrative
The airport manager said the airplane began its takeoff on the 2,500-foot-long runway 13 from the displaced threshold, which is 400 feet from the approach end of the runway. The pilot said he rotated at 55 knots and the airplane lifted off the runway but would not climb. Almost immediately, the stall warning horn began to sound and he lowered the nose to gain speed. The airplane then settled back onto the runway. The pilot reduced the power and began applying brakes to abort the takeoff. The airplane overran the end of the runway, went down a hillside, and collided with trees about 600 feet from the runway. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 PDT
Nearest AirportOcean Ridge Airport (0nm)
Runway13
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172S
Tail NumberN21705
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWest Valley Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 3 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT