# NTSB CHI95LA298: Cessna 172M, N6977H, Independence, MO, August 26, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 26, 1995, 12:05 local (17:05 UTC)
- Place: Independence, MO
- Coordinates: 39.079517, -94.35054 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0795&lon=-94.3505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 6, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10013
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA298
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10013/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA298

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to perform the pre-takeoff checklist and set the elevator trim tab to the takeoff position.

## 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
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - not complied with, pilot in command (cause)
  - elevator trim - not set, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE LIFT OFF AND PITCH UP INTO A STEEP DECK ANGLE. THEY SAID THE WINGS BANKED LEFT AND RIGHT ABOUT 30 DEGREES EACH WAY BEFORE THE AIRPLANE ROLLED TO THE RIGHT AND DESCENDED VERTICALLY TO THE GROUND. THE ELEVATOR TRIM SETTING WAS FOUND IN THE FULL NOSE-UP POSITION.

## Factual narrative

On August 26, 1995, at 1205 central daylight time (cdt), a Cessna 172M, N6977H, piloted by a commercial pilot, was destroyed when it collided with the ground shortly after takeoff.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.  The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan.  The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger received minor injuries.  The flight departed Independence, Missouri, at 1205 cdt.

The pilot said he was unable to recall the events associated with the accident due to his injuries.  Witnesses reported observing the airplane lift off the runway and climb to about 75 feet above the ground.  They said its wing's banked left and right about 30 degrees in each direction.  They said the airplane stalled and rolled to the right, pitched down, and descended vertically until colliding with the ground.

The on-scene investigation revealed control continuity for all three controls, and a full nose up elevator trim tab position.  The pilot's seat shoulder harness was found in the stowed position. Examination of N6977H's engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would prevent it from producing power.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6977H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6977H-1996-09-03), registration cancelled 1996-09-03, S/N 17265676 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17265676
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Stephen N. Appley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 3IP
- Destination: CCR, CONCORD, CA
- Airport: 3IP, Independence Memorial, runway 17, 2,560 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,250 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 2,250 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 16 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKC, 12 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 19950826026049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950826026049A), Aug 26, 1995: Cessna 172M, Independence, MO, Destroyed. Nosed up into steep climb on takeoff. Stalled and near vertical impact. Trim tab set at full nose up position.

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.