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NTSB Report
August 4, 2018 · Cessna 172 M · N8994V
Dowagiac, MI
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 2018
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Dowagiac, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 172 M (1974)
Tail Number
N8994V
Operator
Wings
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA471
The pilot reported that, during takeoff from a soft-field runway, about 10 ft above the ground, the airplane drifted left. He added that the left wing "dipped" and contacted the ground and that the airplane then impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right elevator, and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he should have "stayed longer in ground effect." The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 210° at 10 knots and that, about 40 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 190º at 7 knots. The airplane departed from runway 22.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Lateral/bank control-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, during takeoff from a soft field runway, about 10 feet above the ground, the airplane drifted left. The left wing "dipped", contacted the ground and the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to right wing, right elevator and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that he should have "stayed longer in ground effect." The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 210° at 10 knots and about 40 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 190º at 7 knots. The airplane departed on runway 22.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 EDT
Nearest AirportDowagiac Muni (0nm NNW)
Runway22
Runway Length2176 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172 M
Tail NumberN8994V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWings
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time20:54
Weather SourceWFAC