# NTSB ERA23LA229: Cessna 172, N1596E, South Bethlehem, NY, May 11, 2023 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: May 11, 2023, 14:20 local (18:20 UTC) - Place: South Bethlehem, NY - Coordinates: 42.560722, -73.833944 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5607&lon=-73.8339&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: Textron Aviation, FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 149068 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA23LA229 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/149068/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=149068 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA229 ## Probable cause The pilot’s improper decision to attempt an intersection takeoff in a tailwind when the full runway in the opposite, headwind direction was available. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 41 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Wind: tailwind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Decision related to condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015/cases.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 594 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: takeoff distance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025/cases.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 67 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 134 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis Due to his injuries, the pilot did not recall the accident. A pilot-rated witness reported seeing the airplane make an intersection takeoff from a 2,853-ft-long runway with a tailwind (9 kts, gusting to 13 or 14 kts). The intersection used resulted in only 2,293 ft of runway available. The accident airplane subsequently impacted a field near the departure end of the runway and came to rest upright. Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Review of weight and balance data for the airplane revealed that it was loaded to within 80 pounds of its maximum gross weight before accounting for baggage and fuel (the quantities of which could not be determined). Review of performance data revealed that at maximum gross weight, in the reported wind and temperature conditions, the airplane required about 2,300 ft of runway to take off to clear a 50-ft obstacle. There were no performance data for tailwind conditions greater than 10 knots or any weight above the maximum gross weight. Based on the takeoff performance data, the pilot was likely attempting to operate the airplane in excess of its performance capabilities, which resulted in a subsequent collision with terrain when it was unable to climb. Instead of departing with a tailwind, and from an intersection with a reduced amount of runway remaining, had the pilot instead elected to depart in the opposite direction utilizing the full runway length, it is possible that the accident could have been avoided. ## Factual narrative On May 11, 2023, about 1420 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N1596E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near South Bethlehem, New York. The private pilot and one passenger suffered serious injuries, while a second passenger incurred minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that his injuries included a vertebrae fracture and concussion, and he could not recall the accident sequence. A pilot-rated witness reported that the airplane was attempting to take off from runway 19 at South Albany Airport (4B0), South Bethlehem, New York. Runway 19 was 2,853 ft-long, 60 ft-wide, and consisted of asphalt. About 15 minutes before the accident takeoff, another Cessna 172 performed a tailwind takeoff on runway 19 uneventfully; however, that airplane started its takeoff roll at the beginning of the runway. The accident airplane took off beginning at a runway intersection, with about 2,293 ft of runway remaining, in an approximate 9-kt tailwind, gusting to 13 or 14 kts. The accident airplane subsequently impacted a field near the departure end of runway 19 and came to rest upright. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The inspector observed the flaps in the retracted position and did not note evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Following the wreckage recovery to a storage facility, recovery company personnel were able to rotate the propeller by hand, confirm powertrain continuity to the rear accessory section, and attain thumb compression on all cylinders. Review of weight and balance data for the airplane revealed that it had a useful load of 820 lbs. The reported occupant weights totaled about 740 lbs., leaving 80 lbs for fuel and baggage. The amount of fuel onboard and weight of the baggage was unknown. Review of performance data from a make and model pilot operating handbook revealed that, at maximum gross weight and in the reported wind and temperature conditions, the airplane required about 2,300 ft of runway to take off and clear a 50-ft obstacle. There were no performance data for any tailwind greater than 10 knots or any weight above the maximum gross weight. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1596E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1596E), registered now, S/N 17271060 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172 (N) - Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-360-series) (registry code 41575, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17271060 - Year built: 1972 - Airframe hours: 12309 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 2022 - Airport: 4B0, South Albany Airport, runway 19, 2,853 × 60 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 28; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review February 11, 2023; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 169 total, 100 in this make and model, 67 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 270° at 7 knots, gusting 16 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 43 °F - Altimeter: 30.03 inHg - Observed at: ALB, 11 nm away - METAR: KALB 111851Z 27007G16KT 10SM FEW110 FEW180 FEW280 26/06 A3003 ## 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 20230511006049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20230511006049A), May 11, 2023: Cessna 172N, Selkirk, NY, Substantial damage. On may 11, 2023 at 1530 local, a single engine aircraft turned onto runway 19 at South Albany Airport (4B0) from taxiway a with three individuals on board. The… ## Docket (10 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 5, 2024, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=149068. 5.0 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 11 pages, 2.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15861499&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6120_Redacted-Rel.pdf - NTSB memoranda for the record (item 2, PDF, 3 pages, 78 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15861357&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MFRs-Rel.pdf - FAA records of conversation (item 3, PDF, 2 pages, 134 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15861151&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=FAA%20MFRs-Rel.pdf - Available runway distance measurement (courtesy of FAA) (item 4, PDF, 1 page, 151 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15861681&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=FAA%20Runway%20Distance%20Measurement-Rel.pdf - Excerpts from maintenance records (item 5, PDF, 4 pages, 346 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15861547&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Mx%20Excerpts_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Airplane weight and balance data (item 6, PDF, 1 page, 203 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15860909&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Aircraft%20Empty%20Weight_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Excerpt from POH (item 7, PDF, 1 page, 400 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15861367&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=172N%20POH%20Except-Rel.pdf - Photo array (item 8, PDF, 3 pages, 821 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15862053&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Photo%20Array-Rel.pdf - Weather report (item 9, PDF, 1 page, 142 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15860919&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Metars-Rel.pdf - Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation (item 10, PDF, 9 pages, 292 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15861639&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=NTSB%20Party%20Form_Redacted-Rel.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.