Summary
On June 30, 2013, a Cessna 170B (N2600D) was involved in an incident near Fallbrook, CA. All 2 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 failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the takeoff, and his loss of aircraft control during the subsequent stall recovery.
The pilot intended to perform a short-field takeoff in the tailwheel equipped airplane for both practice, and as a demonstration to the passenger. His intention was to climbout at the airplane's best angle of climb airspeed (48 mph). He stated that the airspeed indicator was not accurate at low airspeeds, and that an indicated airspeed of 40 mph was actually 50 mph true. He selected 20 degrees of flaps, and observed the angle of wind vary during both the run-up, and while lining the airplane up on the runway. As he began the takeoff roll, the wind moved to a direct headwind, and he initiated rotation at an indicated airspeed of 40 mph. He maintained that airspeed, and once they reached an altitude of 150 feet agl, the airframe began to shudder.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR13CA301. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2600D.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the takeoff, and his loss of aircraft control during the subsequent stall recovery.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot intended to perform a short-field takeoff in the tailwheel equipped airplane for both practice, and as a demonstration to the passenger. His intention was to climbout at the airplane's best angle of climb airspeed (48 mph). He stated that the airspeed indicator was not accurate at low airspeeds, and that an indicated airspeed of 40 mph was actually 50 mph true. He selected 20 degrees of flaps, and observed the angle of wind vary during both the run-up, and while lining the airplane up on the runway. As he began the takeoff roll, the wind moved to a direct headwind, and he initiated rotation at an indicated airspeed of 40 mph. He maintained that airspeed, and once they reached an altitude of 150 feet agl, the airframe began to shudder. The airplane began to descend, and he applied forward elevator control in an effort to regain control. After doing so, the runway came into view, and concerned that they might collide with the ground, he released elevator pressure. The airplane subsequently settled just left of the runway and ground looped, coming to rest on its nose. The pilot stated that the accident could have been avoided if he increased the takeoff airspeed to counter for the wind conditions, and applied more down elevator pressure during the subsequent recovery. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, and the pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR13CA301