# NTSB MIA00LA074: Cessna 172N, N2469E, Lincolnton, GA, January 25, 2000

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 25, 2000, 13:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Lincolnton, GA
- Coordinates: 33.789051, -82.470214 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7891&lon=-82.4702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 29, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 48540
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA00LA074
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/48540/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA00LA074

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to remove ice from the wings prior to takeoff resulting in the aircraft not climbing after takeoff and colliding with a tree.

## 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
  - wing - ice
  - ice/frost removal from aircraft - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - climb - not possible, pilot in command
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

During preflight inspection the pilot removed snow from the aircraft and observed some ice formation on the wings. He did not remove the ice. During takeoff the aircraft would not climb and collided with a tree. The aircraft spun around 180 degrees and crashed to the ground. The pilot attributed the failure to climb on the ice buildup on the wings.

## Factual narrative

On January 25, 2000, about 1300 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, N2469E, registered to a private owner, collided with a tree during climb after takeoff from a private strip near Lincolnton, Georgia, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that upon arrival at the aircraft prior to the flight, the aircraft was covered with snow. He brushed off the snow and observed some ice buildup on the aircraft. He thought the ice would blow off during takeoff. After takeoff, the aircraft would not climb, due to the ice buildup interrupting the airflow over the wing. The right wing collided with a tree, spun around 180 degrees and crashed upright in a field.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2469E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2469E-2000-07-06), registration cancelled 2000-07-06, S/N 17271295 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17271295
- Engines: Lycoming O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bobby C. Parks
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Airport: Gary Ward Airstrip, runway 14, 3,000 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,700 total, 450 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AGS, 40 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 20000125006909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000125006909A), Jan 25, 2000: Cessna 172N, Lincolnton, GA, No damage. (-23) The PIC,[privacy data omitted]and the passenger[privacy data omitted]were going for a pleasure ride. The aitcraft had snow and ice on it's wings and the…

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.

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