# NTSB BFO90LA033: Cessna 170B, N2521C, Winchester, VA, April 1, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 1, 1990, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Winchester, VA
- Coordinates: 39.1702, -78.16925 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.1702&lon=-78.1693&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11584
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO90LA033
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11584/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90LA033

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ASSURE THAT THE AIRPLANE WOULD CLEAR THE FENCE AFTER TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - runway/landing area condition - uphill (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS TAKING OFF FROM AN UPSLOPE-GRASS RWY. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THE ACFT ACCELERATED SLOWLY BEFORE HE LIFTED OFF AT 65 MPH. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB AND THE ACFT STRUCK A FENCE PAST THE END OF THE RWY. THE PLT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2521C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2521C), registered now, S/N 26165, 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 C145 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-series) (registry code 17012, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 26165
- Airframe hours: 2650
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300A 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kirk E. Randall
- Registered owner: Kirk E Randall
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 1, 1989, 90 hours before
- Destination: W16, WINCHESTER, VA
- Airport: Private Strip, runway 18, 1,500 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 639 total, 89 in this make and model, 547 as pilot in command, 93 in the last 90 days, 26 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,100 ft overcast
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: IAD

## FAA reports on this event (1)

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

- [Incident 19900401011799I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900401011799I), Apr 1, 1990: Cessna 170B, Berkley Springs, WV, Minor damage. Struck a fence post and tipped up on its nose on takeoff roll.

## Other investigations on N2521C (1)

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.

- [NTSB FTW71DRH28](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW71DRH28), May 25, 1971: Cessna 170B (N2521C), Killeen, TX, substantial damage

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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