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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 2, 2016 · Cessna 172 N · N734GM

Lewiston, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 2, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lewiston, MT
Aircraft
Cessna 172 N (1977)
Tail Number
N734GM
Operator
Wheels Down
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA419

According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll about 30 knots indicated airspeed, his seat slid back a few inches. He reported that, "The slight movement of the pilot seat aft during takeoff roll was inconvenient. Had I done nothing at this point, it most likely would have been a manageable situation." However, the pilot reported that, "My reaction to move the seat forward using the adjustment bar during takeoff roll acceleration is what caused the pilot seat to move to the full aft position." He reported that the full aft seat movement caused him to pull back on the yoke, the nose landing gear came off the ground, and the airplane veered left and exited the runway to the left, and struck a fence before coming to a halt. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, horizontal stabilizer, and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane during the takeoff roll that would have prevented normal flight operations. Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector's examined the pilot's seat, track and adjustment assembly and found that there were no failures or anomalies. According to the manufacturer's Pilot Operating Handbook, item number three of the Before Start Checklist states: Seats/Belts –Adjusted and locked

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to ensure that his seat was adjusted and locked, which resulted in his seat sliding aft during the takeoff roll, and the subsequent loss of directional control and runway excursion.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll about 30 knots indicated airspeed, his seat slid back a few inches. He reported that, "The slight movement of the pilot seat aft during takeoff roll was inconvenient. Had I done nothing at this point, it most likely would have been a manageable situation." However, the pilot reported that, "My reaction to move the seat forward using the adjustment bar during takeoff roll acceleration is what caused the pilot seat to move to the full aft position." He reported that the full aft seat movement caused him to pull back on the yoke, the nose landing gear came off the ground, and the airplane veered left and exited the runway to the left, and struck a fence before coming to a halt. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, horizontal stabilizer, and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane during the takeoff roll that would have prevented normal flight operations. Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector's examined the pilot's seat, track and adjustment assembly and found that there were no failures or anomalies. According to the manufacturer's Pilot Operating Handbook, item number three of the Before Start Checklist states: Seats/Belts –Adjusted and locked

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 MDT
Nearest AirportSmithfield (0nm NW)
Runway24
Runway Length2646 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 N
Tail NumberN734GM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWheels Down
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 13 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time21:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data