Cessna 172H N2513L

Summary

On 16 October 1998 at about 11:45 local time, a Cessna 172H registered N2513L was involved in an accident near Conroe, Texas, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 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

16 October 1998 at 11:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Conroe, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

Lake Bonanza Airport (33TA)

Coordinates

30.3206, -95.4708

Aircraft

Cessna 172H

Registration

N2513L

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → San Angelo

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

IMC

Light

Dawn

NTSB number

FTW99LA009

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees. Factors were the fogged front windshield and side windows.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The left wing of the airplane contacted a tree branch during the initial climb from runway 17, and subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground. The pilot stated that he positioned the airplane for take off at the approach end of runway 17 and had to clear the inside and outside of the windows after they fogged. The pilot stated that he initiated the take off roll and the airplane lifted off the ground approximately 1,000 feet down the runway. During the takeoff roll the windshield and side windows became obscured by condensation (fog), blocking his view of outside references. The pilot maintained control of the airplane by referencing the flight instruments. The airplane was approximately 60 feet above ground level when the passenger 'excitedly' stated 'trees left, trees left.' The pilot misinterpreted the passengers statement as 'veer left, veer left,' and the pilot began to bank the airplane to the left. The airplanes left wing contacted a tree branch which resulted in the airplane 'spinning to the left and pointing [it] straight down.' The airplane came to rest on its nose in a near vertical attitude, in a wooded area.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.