Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's improper planning/decision, and his failure to ensure that the airplane would remain clear of trees during the takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: high density altitude, and the proximity of trees to the runway.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 23, 1996, approximately 1415 Pacific Daylight time, a Cessna 152, N49794, operated by Apple Valley Air in Omak, WA, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees near Stehekin State Airport near Stehekin, WA. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The 14 CFR 91 personal flight was on takeoff from Stehekin to Omak, Washington when the aircraft hit trees.
During a telephone interview with the pilot, he stated that he seemed to have good speed on the takeoff roll. However, by the time he was over the trees at the end of the runway, he said that the stall warning buzzer was sounding and he could not clear the trees. In the pilot's accident report he stated that "Power stall on takeoff, hit tops of trees at 40 knots, flash engine fire immediately, plane then fell approx 30ft."
The Stehekin State Airport is at 1230 feet MSL. Weather at the time was reported by the pilot to be 85 degrees with a pressure reading of 30.00. Under these conditions the density altitude was about 3080 ft. The operator estimated the fuel on board at takeoff was about 19 to 21 gallons.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA96LA163