# NTSB CHI03FA088: Cessna 182R, N6211E, North English, IA, March 22, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report - Date: March 22, 2003, 15:44 local (21:44 UTC) - Place: North English, IA - Coordinates: 42.496665, -92.151664 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4967&lon=-92.1517&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious - Status: Completed, report June 30, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Cessna Aircraft Company, Continental Motors, FAA-Des Moines FSDO, Civil Air Patrol, National Headquarters - NTSB case key (mKey): 56684 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI03FA088 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/56684/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=56684 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA088 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. Contributing to the accident was the CFI's improper decision to attempt to takeoff from a short, grass taxiway instead of departing from a runway aligned with the prevailing winds, the short, grass taxiway, the crosswind, trees, and transmission wires. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - wrong runway - selected, pilot in command(cfi) (cause) - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command(cfi) (cause) - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause) - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command(cfi) - terrain condition - grass (contributing factor) - terrain condition - short runway/landing area (contributing factor) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - object - wire,transmission(marked) (contributing factor) - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The airplane was destroyed by impact forces after a loss of control while attempting to avoid a power line and trees during takeoff climb from a grass taxiway (1,000 feet by 70 feet). The pilot receiving training reported that he and the certified flight instructor (CFI) briefed the flight and conducted an aircraft preflight. He reported the purpose of the flight was to practice dead reckoning navigation, and to do a grass strip landing. He reported that the airplane operated normally and there were no indications of mechanical difficulty. He reported the airplane touched down within 150 feet of the south end of the taxiway and he made a full stop landing. He back taxied and then performed a "short field" takeoff. He attempted to lift off at 65 knots indicated airspeed about one-half way down the taxiway, but the "aircraft was not climbing." He reported that the CFI came on the controls during the climb out. He recalled seeing the orange balls on the power lines located at the north end of the taxiway, and he heard the stall warning horn sounding. The airplane veered to the left, and then the right side of the airplane impacted the terrain. The Pilot's Operating Handbook indicated that the required takeoff distance to clear a 50 foot obstacle from a grass airstrip on a 15 degree Celsius day required approximately 1,409 feet. Runway 9/27 at the private airstrip was 2,400 feet by 70 feet. The prevailing wind at the time of the accident was 280 degrees at 10 knots. The inspection of the airplane revealed no pre-existing anomalies. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On March 22, 2003, at 1544 central standard time, a Cessna 182R, N6211E, operated by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), was destroyed by impact forces after a loss of control while attempting to avoid a power line during takeoff climb from a grass taxiway at the White Pigeon Airport (7IA1), near North English, Iowa. The certified flight instructor (CFI) received fatal injuries, and the private pilot under training received serious injuries. The Title 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight departed Ankeny Regional Airport (IKV), Ankeny, Iowa, at 1505, on a training flight. About 1540, the airplane landed to the north on the north/south oriented grass taxiway (1,000 feet by 70 feet) at 7IA1. The airplane back taxied on the taxiway and then attempted to departed to the north from the taxiway. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A VFR flight plan was filed. The pilot receiving training reported that he and the CFI met at IKV and briefed the flight and conducted an aircraft preflight. He reported the purpose of the flight was to practice dead reckoning navigation. They also planned to do a grass strip landing at 7IA1, before continuing en route to the Ottumwa Industrial Airport (OTM), Ottumwa, Iowa, for refueling. After refueling, they planned to return to IKV. He reported that he had landed at 7IA1 before, but it had been on the east/west runway and not on the taxiway, which he referred to as a runway. The pilot reported that the flight from IKV to 7IA1 had gone as planned. He reported that the airplane operated normally and there were no indications of mechanical difficulty. Once at 7IA1, he flew over the airport and entered a left downwind to land to the north on the north "runway." The airplane touched down within 150 feet of the south end of the taxiway and he made a full stop landing. He reported that as he back taxied for takeoff, he raised the flaps, but he could not remember if he lowered the flaps prior to takeoff. He reported that he was following the CFI's instructions for a "short field" takeoff, and he kept the airplane moving during the turn at the south end of the grass taxiway. He reported that he performed a rolling takeoff. About one-half way down the runway he attempted to lift off at 65 knots indicated airspeed, but the "aircraft was not climbing." He reported that the CFI came on the controls during the climb out and stated, "What are we going to do?" He reported that he recalled seeing the orange balls on the power lines located at the north end of the taxiway, and he heard the stall warning horn sounding. He reported that the airplane veered to the left, and then the right side of the airplane impacted the terrain. He remained conscious but was trapped in the left front seat of the airplane because he could not release his seat belt. One of the first persons on the scene cut his seat belt and he was able to exit the airplane. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The 55-year old CFI held a commercial pilot certificate issued on April 9, 2002, with single engine land and instrument ratings. She also had private pilot privileges in multi-engine airplanes limited to VFR flight only. She held a certified flight instructor certificate issued on June 3, 2002, with single engine land and instrument ratings. She had logged approximately 1,126 total flight hours with 1,056 hours in single engine airplanes. She had logged approximately 182 hours as a CFI. She had flown 5.2 hours in the last 90 days and 1.3 hours in the last 30 days. She held a Second Class medical certificate. She had joined the CAP on February 3, 1995, and held the rank of Major. She served as a CAP mission pilot and CAP check pilot. The 52-year old private pilot receiving training had logged a total of 238 flight hours with 3 hours in make and model. He was receiving training in the Cessna 182 because he did not have a high performance airplane endorsement, a requirement for being pilot-in-command of a Cessna 182. He had last flown on December 31, 2002, in a Cessna 172. He held a Third Class medical certificate. He had joined the CAP in January 22, 1998, and held the rank of Second Lieutenant. He had passed a CAP Form 5 check on June 5, 2002, which authorized him to fly as pilot-in-command of a Cessna 172. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The airplane was a single engine Cessna 182R, serial number 18268352. The airplane seated four and had a maximum gross weight of 3,110 pounds. The engine was a 230 horsepower Continental O-470-U (17) engine. The last annual inspection was conducted on September 25, 2002. The airplane had flown 71 hours since the last inspection and had a total time of 4,148 hours. The Cessna Model 182R Pilot's Operating Handbook stated the following procedure for a Short Field Takeoff: 1. Wing Flaps - 20 degrees. 2. Carburetor Heat - Cold. 3. Brakes - Apply. 4. Power - Full Throttle and 2400 RPM. 5. Mixture - Full Rich (mixture may be leaned about 5000 feet for smooth operation). 6. Brakes - Release. 7. Elevator Control - MAINTAIN SLIGHTLY TAIL LOW ATTITUDE. 8. Climb Speed - 59 KIAS (until all obstacles are cleared). 9. Wing Flaps - RETRACT slowly after reaching 70 KIAS. The Standardization Instructor for the Iowa Wing CAP provided the calculated Takeoff Distance in reference to the Cessna 182R Pilot's Operating Handbook. The calculations were based on the following assumptions: Takeoff Weight: 2800 lbs. Temperature: 15 degrees C Altitude: 1000 feet pressure altitude Headwind/Tailwind: 0 Grass Runway: Short, firm (Increase ground roll by 15%) Runway Slope: Flat (Actual runway had an upslope for first one-half of runway) Flaps: 20 degrees Power: Set properly before brake release. Normal engine operation. Proper speeds and techniques used. Ground Roll at 15 degrees C: 1/2 (670 + 720) = 695 feet. Ground Roll on Grass (+ 15%): 695 + 15% = 799 feet. Distance to Climb to 50 feet AGL: Distance at 15 degrees C: 1/2 (590 + 630) = 610 Takeoff Distance to 50 feet @ 15 degrees C: 799 + 610 = 1409 feet METEROROLOGICAL CONDITIONS At 1545, the surface weather observation at Pella Airport (PEA) located approximately 40 nautical miles west was: wind 280 at 10 knots, sky clear, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 15 degrees Celsius, dew point -3 degrees Celsius, altimeter 29.94 inches of mercury. At 1552, the surface weather observation at Cedar Rapids Airport (CID) located approximately 33 nautical miles northeast was: wind 300 at 14 knots, sky clear, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 12 degrees Celsius, dew point 1 degree Celsius, altimeter 29.93 inches of mercury. AIRPORT INFORMATION 7IA1 is located 4 miles southwest of North English, Iowa. It is a private use airport, and permission to use the airport is required prior to landing. The airport information lists Runway 9/27 (2,400 feet by 70 feet, turf) as the only runway. There is no mention of a north/south runway or taxiway. The airport owner identified it as a taxiway and confirmed that Runway 9/27 was the only registered runway at the airport. The airport elevation is 875 feet mean sea level. The north/south taxiway is approximately 1,000 feet by 70 feet. The taxiway was rolled flat with no ruts. The grass was dry on the day of the accident. There is an elevation rise of about 5-7 feet upwards from south to north on the southern half of the taxiway. The northern half of the taxiway is flat. A hangar building is located at the northern end of the taxiway. Trees approximately 50 feet in height are located on the north side of the road on the centerline of the taxiway. The CAP reported that between April 2001 and June of 2002, the airport owner and the wing commander of the Iowa CAP had made an agreement that the Iowa CAP airplanes could be flown to 7IA1 on maintenance flights. The airport owner, ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6211E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6211E-2006-03-29), registration cancelled 2006-03-29, S/N 18268352, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 182R - Registry model: [Cessna 182R](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182r) (registry code 2072731) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18268352 - Airframe hours: 4148 - Engines: Continental O-470-U(17) 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Civil Air Patrol, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 25, 2002, 71 hours before - Departed: IKV, Ankeny, IA - Destination: OTM, Ottumwa, IA - Flight plan: VFR - Airport: 7IA1, White Pigeon Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 55; injuries: fatal; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review June 26, 2002; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,126 total, 908 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days - Pilot; age 52; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review March 30, 2002; seat: left; flight hours: 238 total, 30 in this make and model, 178 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 280° at 10 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 27 °F - Altimeter: 29.94 inHg - Observed at: PEA, 40 nm away ## 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 20030322004159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030322004159A), Mar 22, 2003: Cessna 182R, North English, IA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. (-23) Aircraft, taking off from a short sod taxiway, impacted the shoulder of a road in a nearly inverted attitude after hitting a powerline and a fence with… ## Docket (37 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 3, 2004, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=56684. 14.2 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 410 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40386582&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Wreckage Diagram (item 2, .PDF, 2.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211108&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Wreckage%20Diagram-Master.PDF - CAP Information Concerning White Pigeon Airport (item 3, .PDF, 94 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40386677&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=CAP%20Information%20Concerning%20White%20Pigeon%20Airport-Redacted.PDF - White Pigeon Airport Information (item 4, .PDF, 105 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211114&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=White%20Pigeon%20Airport%20Information-Master.PDF - CAP Information (item 5, .PDF, 23 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211118&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=CAP%20Information-Master.PDF - CAP Flight Management (item 6, .PDF, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211120&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=CAP%20Flight%20Management-Master.PDF - Takeoff Performance Information (item 7, .PDF, 685 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211121&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Takeoff%20Performance%20Information-Master.PDF - PIC Information (item 8, .PDF, 880 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40455963&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=PIC%20Information-Redacted.PDF - Pilot Under Instruction Information (item 9, .PDF, 538 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40386680&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Under%20Instruction%20Information-Redacted.PDF - Iowa Wing Civil Air Patrol Reservation Page (item 10, .PDF, 25 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40455964&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Iowa%20Wing%20Civil%20Air%20Patrol%20Reservation%20Page-Redacted.PDF - Aircraft Monthly Flight Log (item 11, .PDF, 76 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211209&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aircraft%20Monthly%20Flight%20Log-Master.PDF - Aircraft Weight & Balance (item 12, .PDF, 293 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40386682&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aircraft%20Weight%20%26%20Balance-Redacted.PDF - Aircraft Logbook Entries (item 13, .PDF, 992 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40455965&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aircraft%20Logbook%20Entries-Redacted.PDF - Toxicological Report (item 14, .PDF, 52 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40386683&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report-Redacted.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 15, .PDF, 319 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40386678&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 16, .PDF, 40 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40386676&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF - Photo 1. Facing North. View of Wreckage (item 17, .PDF, 216 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211228&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201.%20%20Facing%20North.%20%20View%20of%20Wreckage-Master.PDF - Photo 2. Outboard Section of Right Wingtip (item 18, .PDF, 222 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211230&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202.%20%20Outboard%20Section%20of%20Right%20Wingtip-Master.PDF - Photo 3. Rear of Aircraft (item 19, .PDF, 217 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211231&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203.%20%20Rear%20of%20Aircraft-Master.PDF - Photo 4. View of Power Line Wires (item 20, .PDF, 232 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211234&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204.%20%20View%20of%20Power%20Line%20Wires-Master.PDF - Photo 5. Facing East. View of Wreckage (item 21, .PDF, 216 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211237&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%205.%20%20Facing%20East.%20%20View%20of%20Wreckage-Master.PDF - Photo 6. Left Wing and Nose of Aircraft (item 22, .PDF, 216 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211238&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%206.%20%20Left%20Wing%20and%20Nose%20of%20Aircraft-Master.PDF - Photo 7. Belly of Aircraft. Hangar and Taxiway in the Background (item 23, .PDF, 214 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211239&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%207.%20%20Belly%20of%20Aircraft.%20%20Hangar%20and%20Taxiway%20in%20the%20Background-Master.PDF - Photo 8. Left Wing (item 24, .PDF, 214 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211240&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%208.%20%20Left%20Wing-Master.PDF - Photo 9. Right Wing in Pieces Under the Fuselage (item 25, .PDF, 216 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211242&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%209.%20%20Right%20Wing%20in%20Pieces%20Under%20the%20Fuselage-Master.PDF - Photo 10. Empennage and Right Wing (item 26, .PDF, 215 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211243&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2010.%20%20Empennage%20and%20Right%20Wing-Master.PDF - Photo 11. Cockpit (item 27, .PDF, 216 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211244&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2011.%20%20Cockpit-Master.PDF - Photo 12. Propeller Blade Tip (item 28, .PDF, 223 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211245&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2012.%20%20Propeller%20Blade%20Tip-Master.PDF - Photo 13. Cockpit (item 29, .PDF, 222 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211246&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2013.%20%20Cockpit-Master.PDF - Photo 14. Inverted Cabin (item 30, .PDF, 218 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211247&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2014.%20%20Inverted%20Cabin-Master.PDF - Photo 15. Right Side of Aircraft (item 31, .PDF, 216 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211248&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2015.%20%20Right%20Side%20of%20Aircraft-Master.PDF - Photo 16. Propeller Blade (item 32, .PDF, 215 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211249&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2016.%20%20Propeller%20Blade-Master.PDF - Photo 17. Propeller Blade Tip (item 33, .PDF, 225 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211250&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2017.%20%20Propeller%20Blade%20Tip-Master.PDF - Photo 18. Runway 09/27 (item 34, .PDF, 219 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211251&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2018.%20%20Runway%2009%2F27-Master.PDF - Photo 19. Facing North on the Taxiway. Hangar, Trees, and Wires at the End of the Taxiway (item 35, .PDF, 217 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211252&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2019.%20%20Facing%20North%20on%20the%20Taxiway.%20%20Hangar,%20Trees,%20and%20Wires%20at%20the%20End%20of%20the%20Taxiway-Master.PDF - Photo 20. Propeller (item 36, .PDF, 212 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211253&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2020.%20%20Propeller-Master.PDF - Photo 21. Left Side of the Aircraft (item 37, .PDF, 213 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40211254&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%2021.%20%20Left%20Side%20of%20the%20Aircraft-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.