N2600D

Substantial
None

CESSNA 170BS/N: 20752

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, June 30, 2013
NTSB Number
WPR13CA301
Location
Fallbrook, CA
Event ID
20130630X83628
Coordinates
33.354167, -117.250831
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

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

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
20752
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1952
Model / ICAO
170BC170
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
170B

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
JUDGE ELI A
Address
6750 FARM TO MARKET RD
City
WHITEFISH
State / Zip Code
MT 59937-8302
Country
United States

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