Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed, his premature rotation, and his failure to maintain directional control when the aircraft settled back onto the runway. The pilot's selection of a closed airport for the takeoff attempt was a factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 2, 1995, at 1400 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N61602, collapsed the landing gear following a loss of directional control during the takeoff ground roll at the New Cuyama, California, airport. The aircraft was operated by Santa Barbara Pilot Center of Goleta, California, and was rented by the pilot for the flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot and his three passengers were not injured. The pilot had flown to New Cuyama earlier in the day, and was beginning a local personal flight from the airport at the time of the accident.
In his statement, the pilot reported that during the takeoff he rotated and the aircraft lifted off, but quickly settled back onto the runway. The aircraft then veered left off the runway, encountered soft soil, and collapsed the nose landing gear.
Review of the notices to airmen (NOTAM) file disclosed that a NOTAM was issued in March denoting that the New Cuyama Airport is closed. The most current FAA airport facility directory issued before the accident was examined. Under the entry for the airport, the remarks section states: "Airport closed indefinitely. Runway 10-28 (has) numerous potholes and debris and weeds."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX95LA236