N9768A

Substantial
Minor

CESSNA 170AS/N: 19409

Accident Details

Date
Friday, February 11, 2011
NTSB Number
WPR11CA132
Location
Baker Lake, WA
Event ID
20110211X50626
Coordinates
48.721942, -121.663612
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's encounter with soft terrain during an attempted takeoff from a dry lake bed.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
19409
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1950
Model / ICAO
170AC170
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
170A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BEACHY BENJAMIN D
Address
14032 SHILO CEMETERY RD
City
WHITTINGTON
State / Zip Code
IL 62897-1230
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, he performed about 20 touch-and-go landings on the dry lake bed prior to the accident. He stated that the terrain was mostly flat, but in places it was uneven and rough. During the last landing, the airplane's wheels became bogged down in the terrain, and the propeller struck the ground. The pilot shut down the engine, inspected the propeller, and examined the planned takeoff path for suitability. Thereafter, he attempted to depart. As the airplane accelerated, the left main landing gear encountered an area of soft dirt. The airplane impacted a berm whereupon it nosed over, bending the wing structure and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot further reported that no mechanical malfunction had precipitated the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA132