Summary
On October 04, 1998, a Cessna 172 (N6867X) was involved in an incident near Russian Mission, AK. All 4 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors associated with the accident are rising terrain, and a downdraft.
On October 4, 1998, about 1500 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 172 airplane, N6867X, sustained substantial damage during an attempted takeoff from a remote airstrip at Kako, Alaska, located about 10 miles north of Russian Mission, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The certificated commercial pilot, and the three passengers aboard, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC99LA001. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N6867X.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors associated with the accident are rising terrain, and a downdraft.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On October 4, 1998, about 1500 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 172 airplane, N6867X, sustained substantial damage during an attempted takeoff from a remote airstrip at Kako, Alaska, located about 10 miles north of Russian Mission, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The certificated commercial pilot, and the three passengers aboard, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge on October 4, the pilot reported that the accident airstrip is situated within a valley with rising terrain on three sides, and that the wind was blowing from the northwest about 25 knots. The pilot stated that he elected to depart to the west, and toward rising terrain. He stated that just after takeoff, the airplane encountered a strong downdraft, and failed to gain sufficient altitude to clear rising terrain. The airplane collided with a stand of trees, and sustained substantial damage to the wings, and fuselage.
The pilot noted there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC99LA001