Summary
On July 27, 2003, a Cessna 170B (N1979C) was involved in an accident near Schafer, MT. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries, with 1 person uninjured out of 3 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's delayed remedial action during the takeoff roll. Factors include wet terrain, a fence and an embankment located at the end of the runway.
On July 27, 2003, about 0745 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N1979C, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff and subsequent runway overrun at the Schafer Airport (8U2), Schafer, Montana. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The pilot's planned destination was Helena, Montana.
In a written report, the pilot reported that he aborted the takeoff roll because he determined that the aircraft was not generating sufficient lift to execute a safe takeoff and clear obstacles located at the end of the runway.
This accident is documented in NTSB report SEA03CA155. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N1979C.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's delayed remedial action during the takeoff roll. Factors include wet terrain, a fence and an embankment located at the end of the runway.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 27, 2003, about 0745 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N1979C, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff and subsequent runway overrun at the Schafer Airport (8U2), Schafer, Montana. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The pilot's planned destination was Helena, Montana.
In a written report, the pilot reported that he aborted the takeoff roll because he determined that the aircraft was not generating sufficient lift to execute a safe takeoff and clear obstacles located at the end of the runway. He reported that he applied heavy braking, however, the airplane skidded off the departure end of the runway, through a fence, and down an embankment.
The Schafer Airport is located at an elevation of 4,933 feet above mean sea level, and has a single turf runway (07/25), which is 3,200 feet long and 60 feet wide.
The pilot reported that the turf runway was damp at the time of the accident. He also reported that he aborted the takeoff approximately halfway down the runway.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA03CA155