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NTSB Report

May 11, 2008 · Cessna 172H · N3870R

Brookshire, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 11, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Brookshire, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172H
Tail Number
N3870R
Operator
First Takeoff
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN08CA087

The unqualified private pilot was practicing visual approaches and landings on a dark night. On his fourth or fifth pattern, the airplane was taking off following a full-flap touch-and-go when it struck a fence and impacted in a field past the departure end of the runway. The pilot stated he landed about one-third down the 4,100 foot runway and the roll out was longer than normal, but elected to attempt another approach. During climb out the pilot saw the orange marker balls on the power lines off the departure end of the runway, realized he could not clear them, and was attempting to dive under the wires when the airplane struck the fence. The pilot also stated the airplane was operating normally at the time of the accident and there were no engine or flight control malfunctions. Examination of the airplane revealed the right wing spar was bent upward. The pilot had not completed a biannual flight review within the past 24 months and did not meet currency requirements for carrying passengers as required by Federal Aviation Regulations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to duck under marked transmission lines and his failure to maintain clearance from the fence. Contributing to the accident was the marked transmission lines.

Full Narrative

The private pilot was practicing visual approaches and landings on a dark night with one non-rated passenger. On his fourth or fifth pattern, the airplane was taking off following a full-flap touch and go when it struck a fence and impacted in a field past the departure end of the runway. The pilot stated he landed about one-third down the 4,100 foot runway and the roll out was longer than normal, but elected to attempt another approach. During climb out the pilot saw the orange marker balls on the power lines off the departure end of the runway, realized he could not clear them, and was attempting to dive under the wires when the airplane struck the fence. The pilot also stated the airplane was operating normally at the time of the accident and there were no engine or flight control malfunctions. Examination of the airplane revealed the right wing spar was bent upward. Information provided by the pilot on the Pilot/Operator Accident/Incident Report shows the pilot's last flight review was 1 April, 2006. Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 61.56 states a pilot must accomplish a flight review within 24 months of their last flight review in order to act as pilot in command. According to Federal Aviation Administration officials, the pilot failed to meet the currency requirements for carrying passengers as stated in Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 61.57(a)1 and 61.57(b)1.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time23:30 CDT
Nearest AirportSports Flyer Estates (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length4100 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172H
Tail NumberN3870R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFirst Takeoff
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data