LAX99LA121

The CFI indicated that during the flight he was to provide the owner-pilot any needed instruction while the pilot practiced landings. Also, the CFI planned to further familiarize himself with the pilot's airplane. The owner-pilot performed the first landing, the CFI performed the second landing, and the owner-pilot performed the third approach and attempted landing. The CFI reported that the pilot's final approach was flown a little faster than normal. The touchdown occurred nose wheel first, and during rollout the airplane began porpoising. After the third or fourth oscillation, the CFI took the controls and applied full engine power to stabilize the airplane and to take off. According to the CFI, he maintained control of the airplane as it became airborne, and he partially retracted the wing flaps. The airplane climbed, impacted several trees, and came to rest within 1/4-mile south of the airport. Neither pilot asserted that any mechanical malfunction occurred with the airplane during the accident flight. Ranchaero's runway 15 is 2,280 feet long, and its landing threshold is displaced by 200 feet. Trees are located near both the approach and departure ends of the runway. Touch-and-go landings are prohibited.

On March 17, 1999, about 1030 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 177, N3406T, owned and operated by the pilot, collided with trees during initial climb following a rejected landing on runway 15 at the uncontrolled Ranchaero Airport, Chico, California. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the certified flight instructor (CFI), who possessed a commercial pilot certificate, was not injured. The airplane's owner, who possessed a private pilot certificate, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 91, as a dual instructional flight, and it originated from Chico about 1000.

During an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator, the CFI indicated that during the flight he was to provide the owner-pilot any needed instruction while the pilot practiced landings. Also, the CFI planned to familiarize himself with the pilot's airplane.

The pilot performed the first landing, the CFI performed the second landing, and the pilot performed the third approach and attempted landing. The CFI reported that the pilot's final approach was flown a little faster than normal, and touchdown occurred nose wheel first. During rollout, the airplane began porpoising. After the third or fourth oscillation, the CFI took the controls and applied full engine power to stabilize the airplane and to take off.

According to the CFI, he maintained control of the airplane as it became airborne, and he partially retracted the wing flaps. The airplane climbed slowly, impacted several trees, and came to rest within 1/4-mile south of the airport. Neither pilot asserted that any mechanical malfunction occurred with the airplane during the accident flight.

In the Federal Aviation Administration's "Airport/Facility Directory," information is provided about Ranchaero's runway and the surrounding area. In pertinent part, the directory states that runway 15 is 2,280 feet long and its landing threshold is displaced by 200 feet. Obstructions (trees) are in the vicinity of runway 15 and 33. Touch-and-go landings are prohibited.