# NTSB ANC96LA127: Cessna 170B, N3546C, Cantwell, AK, August 18, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 17, 1996, 20:30 local (Aug 18, 1996, 04:30 UTC)
- Place: Cantwell, AK
- Coordinates: 63.009563, -149.399612 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=63.0096&lon=-149.3996&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 29, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 2883
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC96LA127
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/2883/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96LA127

## Probable cause

A failure of the pilot to provide sufficient takeoff distance from the edge of the departure lake and his premature liftoff.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - tundra
  - distance/speed - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

The certificated private pilot was departing a remote lake.  National park rangers observed the airplane collide with tundra at the north end of the lake as the airplane was just taking off.  In a written statement to the park rangers, the pilot indicated that he taxied onto the lake and began his takeoff toward the north.  He reported that he did not allow sufficient takeoff distance and the airplane descended into the tundra.

## Factual narrative

On August 17, 1996, about 2030 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Cessna 170B, N3546C, collided with terrain during takeoff from a remote lake, about 53 miles west of Cantwell, Alaska.  The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight when the accident occurred.  The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage.  The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

A Denali National Park Ranger reported that the pilot was departing Wonder Lake.  The airplane was observed to collide with the tundra at the north end of the lake as the airplane was just taking off.  In a written statement to the park rangers, the pilot indicated that he taxied onto the lake and began his takeoff toward the north.  He reported that he did not allow sufficient takeoff distance and the airplane descended into the tundra.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3546C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3546C-2018-01-04), registration cancelled 2018-01-04, S/N 26589, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 170B
- Registry model: [Cessna 170B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170b) (registry code 2072306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 26589
- Airframe hours: 7195
- Engines: Lycoming O-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gary Wallace
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 12, 1996, 28 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,815 total, 1,639 in this make and model, 1,770 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19960817023229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960817023229A), Aug 17, 1996: Cessna 170B, Cantwell, AK, Substantial damage. Collided with tundra after liftoff from a lake. Failed to allow adequate water distance for takeoff.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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