N7119M

Substantial
Minor

CESSNA 175S/N: 55419

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, August 23, 2014
NTSB Number
ANC14CA067
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Event ID
20140825X80451
Coordinates
62.527778, -149.918060
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 selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, resulting in a loss of control and subsequent inflight collision with terrain during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to use the checklist, resulting in an improper propeller pitch setting for takeoff, and the pilot's inadvertent partial application of the wheel brakes during the takeoff roll.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
55419
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1958
Model / ICAO
175C175
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
175

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SUTTON AIRCRAFT SALVAGE LLC
Address
13500 E JENSEN AVE
City
PALMER
State / Zip Code
AK 99645-9430
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot was departing, uphill, from a rough and uneven, tundra-covered off-airport site, which required a correction for a variable 10 knot left crosswind. The site was situated atop a mountain ridgeline. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane hit a series of bumps and ruts, and it became airborne prematurely. He added that as the airplane continued to bounce, he braced himself against the rudder pedals, and he inadvertently depressed the brakes. When the airplane settled to the ground and the wheels touched down, the airplane slowed. In an effort to avoid rising terrain ahead, and in an attempt to gain airspeed, the pilot turned the airplane to the left and downslope. The airplane continued to descend and it subsequently collided with brush-covered terrain, sustaining substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also noted that he failed to use the predeparture checklist, and a postaccident inspection revealed that the propeller pitch control was found to be in a cruise power setting.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC14CA067