N84279

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172KS/N: 17258406

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
NTSB Number
CEN12CA422
Location
Greers Ferry, AR
Event ID
20120709X03943
Coordinates
35.602222, -92.142501
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain a positive rate of climb while taking off with a high density altitude.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N84279
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17258406
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1969
Model / ICAO
172KC172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
MALONE CLYDE B
Address
3631 MAC RD
Status
Deregistered
City
FISHER
State / Zip Code
AR 72429-9701
Country
United States

Analysis

The airplane reached an altitude of approximately 80 feet above the ground on takeoff when it encountered an “air pocket.” The airplane descended and the left wing contacted 20 foot tall trees. The airplane descended to the ground coming to rest alongside a building. The left wing was substantially damaged. The density altitude was calculated to be 3,790 feet. The pilot recommended that taking off with a cooler temperature and less weight in the airplane could have prevented the accident. The pilot did not recognize and compensate for the high density altitude condition that existed at the time of takeoff.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA422