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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 21, 2013 · Cessna 180J · N7807K

Palmer, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 21, 2013
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Palmer, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 180J
Tail Number
N7807K
Operator
Kenneth W Castner Iii
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC13LA081

During takeoff from a lake in a westerly direction, the airplane climbed to about 100 feet above ground level (agl) when the pilot retracted the flaps. Subsequently, the airplane rolled to the right and descended into trees and terrain. The pilot stated that he thought that he stalled the airplane on takeoff but that he did not recall hearing a stall warning horn. He added that he may have retracted the flap handle from the third notch to the first notch setting. Examination of the airplane revealed that flap handle was in the second notch, or 20-degree setting. The stall warning horn was removed and functioned normally; however, the investigation was unable to determine if the stall warning system was intact and calibrated due to impact damage to the wing and airframe. A review of weather data from a reporting facility about 4 miles east of the accident site revealed that about 3 minutes before the accident the wind was from 080 degrees at 8 knots, indicating that a slight tailwind would have existed at takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off with a slight tailwind.

Full Narrative

On August 21, 2013, about 1356 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 180, N7807K, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees after takeoff from Walby Lake Seaplane Base (AA85), Palmer, Alaska. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight which was originating at the time of the accident. The intended destination was Finger Lake Seaplane Base (99Z), near Palmer. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that during takeoff to the west, the airplane felt sluggish after it became airborne. The pilot stated that as the airplane climbed to about 100 feet above ground level, he decreased the flap setting by one notch, and the airplane started to descend rapidly. Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees about 600 feet west of the lake. The pilot added that he felt he may have retracted the flaps from the third notch to the first notch, and stalled the airplane. He did not recall hearing the stall warning horn. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that both the left and right wings and fuselage were structurally damaged. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination. Examination of the airplane by an NTSB investigator revealed that flap handle was in the second notch, or 20-degree setting. The stall warning horn was disassembled and produced a sound when suction air pressure was applied to the bell. The reed was intact, however, it was unable to be determined if the stall warning system was intact and calibrated due to the amount of impact damage to the wing and airframe. Review of recorded weather data from the Palmer (PAAQ) weather recording station located about 4 miles east of the accident site revealed that at 1353; wind was from 080 degrees at 8 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:56 AKDT
Nearest AirportWalby Lake Seaplane Base (1nm)
Runway24
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180J
Tail NumberN7807K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKenneth W Castner Iii
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-470 SERIES · Reciprocating · 230
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 46
Altimeter29.81 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data