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NTSB Report
September 1, 2008 · Cessna 172M · N12809
Three Lakes, WI
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 2008
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Three Lakes, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N12809
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA287
The airplane impacted trees after takeoff. The pilot reported that upon takeoff the airplane's door opened. He reported that he opened the window and attempted to close the door. He stated that he became distracted trying to close the door and the left wing of the airplane clipped trees. He stated that there were no mechanical difficulties with the airplane.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude to avoid the trees during initial climb. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to ensure the security of the entrance door before takeoff and the unintentional opening of the door.
Full Narrative
The airplane impacted trees after takeoff. The pilot reported that upon takeoff, the airplane's door opened. He reported that he opened the window and attempted to close the door. He stated that he became distracted trying to close the door and the left wing of the airplane clipped trees. He stated that there were no mechanical difficulties with the airplane. The airplane came to rest within the trees.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:26 CDT
Nearest AirportThree Lakes Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length3400 ft
Runway Width120 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN12809
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0