# NTSB CHI98LA195: Cessna 172E, N3933S, Demotte, IN, June 10, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 10, 1998, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC) - Place: Demotte, IN - Coordinates: 41.160011, -87.260963 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1600&lon=-87.2610&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 2, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10910 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA195 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10910/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA195 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate preflight planning that failed to ensure takeoff could be attained. Other related factors were the aborted takeoff, grass, and a dirt bank. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - aborted - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - aborted takeoff - initiated, pilot in command (contributing factor) - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor) - terrain condition - grass (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot attempted a short field takeoff on runway 18 but aborted the takeoff when he became aware that the aircraft would not clear electric lines that were at the south end of the airport. The pilot stated that he taxied the aircraft to the end of the field and positioned the aircraft for a second takeoff, this time on runway 36. The pilot stated that the aircraft did not rotate at a point that was needed to clear a tree line that was north of the airport. The pilot aborted the takeoff and applied the brakes. The pilot stated that the last 1/4 of the runway had just been mowed and tire traction was reduced substantially. The aircraft slid off the end of the runway and impacted a 2.5' tall dirt pile. Post accident investigation showed that the aircraft was within weight and balance limitations, as stated in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) and the aircraft's weight and balance data sheet. Takeoff performance figures were calculated using the POH, using the weather conditions on the occurrence date, and were to be found to be within stated limitations. No engine or aircraft anomalies were found with the aircraft in question. ## Factual narrative On June 10, 1998, at 1530 central daylight time, a Cessna 172E, N3933S, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff from runway 36 (2600', 75', dry, grass) at the Demotte Airport, near Demotte, Indiana. During the aborted takeoff the aircraft exited the end of the runway and impacted the rising terrain. 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 and one passenger reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with the intended destination of Daviess County Airport, near Washington, Indiana. According to the pilot's written statement, the pilot attempted a short field takeoff on runway 18 but aborted the takeoff when it became aware that the aircraft would not clear electric lines that were at the south end of the airport. The pilot stated that he taxied the aircraft to the end of the field and positioned the aircraft for a second takeoff, this time on runway 36. The pilot stated that he used a soft field takeoff technique for the second takeoff attempt. The pilot stated that the aircraft did not rotate at a point that was needed to clear a tree line that was north of the airport. The pilot aborted the takeoff and applied the brakes. The pilot stated that the last 1/4 of the runway had just been mowed and tire traction was reduced substantially. The aircraft slid off the end of the runway and impacted a 2.5' tall dirt pile. Post accident investigation showed that the aircraft was within weight and balance limitations, as stated in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) and the aircraft's weight and balance data sheet. Takeoff performance figures were calculated using the POH, using the weather conditions on the occurrence date, and were to be found to be within stated limitations. No engine or aircraft anomalies were found with the aircraft in question. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3933S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3933S), registered now, S/N 17251133, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172E - Registry model: [Cessna 172E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172e) (registry code 2072412) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17251133 - Airframe hours: 4507 - Engines: Continental O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: William Kessler - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 28, 1998, 7 hours before - Departed: 3C0 - Destination: DCY, WASHINGTON, IN - Airport: 3C0, Demotte Airport, runway 36, 2,600 × 75 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 125 total, 117 in this make and model, 85 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 3,200 ft broken - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 57 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: VPZ, 210 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 19980610013179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980610013179A), Jun 10, 1998: Cessna 172E, De Motte, IN, Substantial damage. Aborted takeoff. Lost control. (-5)the pilot attempted a short field takeoff on runway 18 but aborted the takeoff when he became aware that the aircraft would… 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.