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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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September 8, 2019 · Cessna 172 N · N737NJ

Mekoryuk, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 8, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mekoryuk, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 172 N (1977)
Tail Number
N737NJ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA529

The pilot reported that, during takeoff from a beach, the airplane lifted off and reached about 10 ft above ground level, but he then "felt something holding [the airplane] down." He lowered the nose to build up airspeed and attempted to climb again, but the airplane was unable to climb due to a downdraft. The pilot was unable to abort the takeoff due to increased airspeed and reduced landing area. The airplane was heading toward a 50- to 60-ft-tall bank, so he decided to "pull up" and attempt to fly over it. The airplane continued for about 3/4 mile, aerodynamically stalled, and then the empennage impacted terrain. The airplane continued about 30 ft, struck a big clump of dirt, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. 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 the wind was variable at 27 knots, gusting to 36 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Angle of attack-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during takeoff on a beach, the airplane lifted off the ground to about 10 ft but he "felt something holding [him] down." He lowered the nose to build up the airspeed, attempted to climb again, but was unable to climb due to a downdraft. He was unable to abort the takeoff due to increased airspeed and reduced landing area prior to a 50 ft bank. He decided to "pull up and go over that 50 to 60 ft bank." The airplane continued about three-quarters of a mile, aerodynamically stalled, and the empennage impacted terrain. The airplane continued about 30 ft, struck a "big clump of dirt," and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. 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 the wind was variable at 27 knots, gusting to 36 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:15 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 N
Tail NumberN737NJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 27 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 23 kt, gusting 28 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time03:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data