N2333D

Substantial
Minor

CESSNA 170S/N: 20485

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, February 7, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA158
Location
Cottonwood Falls, KS
Event ID
20090209X50720
Coordinates
38.355278, -96.552780
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The decision of the pilot to attempt operations outside the forward center of gravity limit. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's selection of an inadequate runway for the conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
20485
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1952
Model / ICAO
170C170
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
170B

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
TROUTMAN CHARLES W
Address
3194 SE PILOT DR
City
PRINEVILLE
State / Zip Code
OR 97754-9093
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot attempted a take off from a 2,300 foot long dry turf runway with a five knot crosswind from the right side. A witness stated the airplane never seemed to gain momentum, did not raise the tail during the take off, and "locked the brakes" at the last minute before hitting the fence at the end of the runway. The airplane then flipped over on its back causing substantial damage to the right wing, vertical fin, and rudder. The pilot suffered minor injuries and the second pilot was not injured. A post accident weight and balance calculation showed that the 575 pounds combined weight of the two front seat occupants placed the airplane outside the allowable forward center of gravity limit. A post accident performance planning calculation showed that with operations on grass/turf runway the takeoff distance would be approximately 2,299 feet with zero flaps, no wind, and with weight and balance within limits.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA158