CHI93LA342

While on initial climb following takeoff, the pilot stated, he encountered '...a little air bump...' At an indicated airspeed of 65 to 70 mph. He stated the airplane began to lose airspeed, decelerating to approximately 55 to 60 mph. Upon pitching down to regain airspeed the airplane descended into the trees. This flight was the pilot's first flight in the airplane at its maximum weight.

On August 28, 1993, at 1430 central daylight time (CDT), a Cessna 170, N3825V, registered to the Chenoa Cloud Hopers Incorporated, of Chenoa, Illinois, and piloted by a private pilot, was destroyed during a collision with trees and terrain while on an initial climb from takeoff. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and three passengers reported minor injuries. The flight originated from Lexington, Illinois, at 1425 CDT.

During an interview with the pilot he stated the airplane lifted off the ground at 60 to 65 mile per hour (mph) indicated airspeed (IAS) and began climbing at 65 to 70 mph. He stated the airplane encountered a "...little air bump..." shortly after lift off and began to lose airspeed despite him lowering the pitch attitude. He stated he did not have sufficient altitude to lower the pitch any further and the descended into the trees shortly after his pitch down action.

The pilot reported in his NTSB Form 6120.1/2 that he was approximately 175 feet above the ground when the airplane first encountered the turbulence. The airplane encountered a second area of turbulence approximately five to ten seconds after the first encounter.

According to Cessna 170 Owner's Manual, the normal climb airspeed for the airplane should be 87 MPH.

The on-scene investigation revealed the airplane was loaded to within approximately 50 pounds of gross weight. The terrain elevation in the area of the accident varies between 850 and 900 feet above mean sea level. The accident flight was the pilot's first experience with flying the airplane fully loaded.

The accident airplane's engine was checked by a Federal Aviation Administration Principal Maintenance Inspector. The inspection revealed no anomalies which would prevent the engine from running. The propeller had sheared off the engine at the crankshaft flange.