# NTSB LAX03LA240: Cessna 180C, N767RK, Punkin Center, AZ, July 23, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 22, 2003, 17:55 local (Jul 23, 2003, 00:55 UTC) - Place: Punkin Center, AZ - Coordinates: 33.855278, -111.308609 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8553&lon=-111.3086&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 3, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 57552 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX03LA240 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/57552/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA240 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and failure to attain adequate climb rate to ensure clearance from obstacles. The tailwind and high density altitude were factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor) - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor) - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - short runway/landing area (contributing factor) - proper climb rate - not attained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The airplane collided with a power line and trees during takeoff initial climb from the 1,000-foot-long dirt runway. The pilot reported that his airplane accelerated normally on runway 23. However, during the 40-degree quartering tailwind takeoff, the airplane did not gain altitude as rapidly as he had anticipated. No mechanical malfunction was reported. The wind was from 090 degrees, and its speed was about 5 knots with occasional 10-knot gusts. The ambient temperature was estimated at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the airstrip's elevation was 2,620 feet mean sea level. The Safety Board estimated that the density altitude was about 6,000 feet. ## Factual narrative On July 22, 2003, about 1755 mountain standard time, a Cessna 180C, N767RK, collided with a power line and trees 30 feet above ground level during initial climb from an uncharted private airstrip. The accident site was located about 1 mile south of Punkin Center, Arizona. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot, and it was substantially damaged. The private pilot received minor injuries. The personal flight was originating, and it was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was filed. The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that the airplane accelerated normally on the dirt surfaced runway 23, which was 1,000 feet long. However, during the downwind takeoff, the airplane did not gain altitude as rapidly as he had anticipated. No mechanical malfunction was reported. The pilot also reported that the he estimated the surface wind was from 090 degrees, and its speed was about 5 knots. There were occasional gusts to 10 knots. The ambient temperature was estimated at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the airstrip's elevation was 2,620 feet mean sea level. The Safety Board investigator calculated that the approximate density altitude was 6,000 feet. The quartering tailwind was about 40 degrees left of the airplane's departure course on the dirt surfaced runway. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N767RK](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N767RK-2004-09-02), registration cancelled 2004-09-02, S/N 50735, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 180C - Registry model: [Cessna 180C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180c) (registry code 2072608) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 50735 - Airframe hours: 877 - Engines: Continental O-470L 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 27, 2003, 12 hours before - Departed: Punkin Center, AZ - Destination: FFZ, Mesa, AZ - Airport: Punkin Center, runway 23, 1,000 × 65 ft, dirt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 52; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review May 26, 2003; seat: left; flight hours: 256 total, 165 in this make and model, 230 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 240° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 104 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 29.70 inHg - Observed at: PAN, 25 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 20030722018479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030722018479A), Jul 22, 2003: Cessna 180C, Tonto Basin, AZ, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot (alone) took-off from his property (1000' dirt strip) in a downwind attitude, at an elevation of 2580' (MSL), and an OAT of approx. 100 degree… 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.