Cessna 172M N1418U

Summary

On 20 July 1997 at about 01:00 local time, a Cessna 172M registered N1418U was involved in an accident near Donnelly, Idaho, United States. 4 people were on board and 4 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

20 July 1997 at 01:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Donnelly, Idaho, United States

Nearest airport

Donnelly (U84)

Coordinates

44.7203, -116.0500

Aircraft

Cessna 172M

Registration

N1418U

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Caldwell

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA97LA170

4 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to perform proper preflight planning for the flight, and his failure to obtain/maintain clearance from trees during takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident include the pilot's delayed remedial action, his improper use of flaps, and high density altitude.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot and two passengers landed on a short grass airstrip that the pilot had never landed on before. He boarded a third passenger, and performed a mental calculation for takeoff performance. He decided to takeoff uphill and into the wind. The airstrip was surrounded by tall trees, and the density altitude was about 6,000 feet. The airplane was at or near its maximum gross takeoff weight. The pilot selected 20 degrees of flaps for the takeoff, and an additional 20 degrees during climbout, despite information to the contrary on the use of flaps published in the airplane's pilot operating handbook (POH). The airplane impacted trees at the end of the runway after the pilot's attempt to abort the takeoff just prior to impact. According to the performance charts found in the POH, the airplane would have been unable to clear the trees under the given conditions. The pilot stated that the engine was unable to produce full power at takeoff. Subsequent testing of the engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.