19980912023689A

Acft crashed in what witnesses reported as a stall spin attitude after taking off from rwy 17, pilot suffered fatal inj. (-23) on September 12, 1998 at about 2:30 local time Mr. Arthur folchi, the pilot of Cessna-170A, N4709Q started his take off roll on rwy 17 at 44N(Sky Acres Airport, NY). Soon after take off the airplane was seen by witnesses to initiate a steep angle of climb. The angle of climb abruptly got steeper till the airplane was almost vertical. The airplane stalled, entered a spin to the right, and did a half roll as it impacted the ground. The impact was nearly vertical. The pilot sustained fatal injuries and expired in the medivac helicopter on the way to the hospital. Examination of the wreckage indicated that the engine was developing power at the moment of impact. The seat was in the forward position but not locked. Further examination showed swellings on the seat track which corresponded to the seat posts as they would be if the seat was exposed to high "g" loads with a turning force both downwards and to the right. These swellings indicate that the seat might have been in the aft position during impact. It appears that during the climb portion of the flight, when a sustained angle of climb was maintained the seat slid back. This sudden movement of the seat probably accounted for the high pull up if the pilot was holding on to the control yoke. This sudden movement corresponds with the witness statements. Since the stated altitude by the witnesses was approximately 200 feet, recovery from the stall/spin would have been impossible. Records indicate that the pilot had a current medical as well as a biennial that was done a year ago. Other acquaintances and family members also indicated that the pilot was very careful with his approach to aviation. The maintenance records indicate that the airplane was within compliance in accordance with the FARS. The autopsy did not reveal any significant coronary problems for a man of his age. (.4) during the initial climb after takeoff, the airplane was observed climbing at a steep pitch angle. The airplane's wings rocked back and forth a few times, and then it rolled and dropped to the right. Witnesses described the engine noise as loud and constant until the point of impact. The airplane came to rest inverted in a wooded area about 1,600 feet beyond the appro ach end, 110 feet to the right of, and at an elevation 40 feet below the departure runway. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions.