# NTSB NYC00LA197: Fairchild M-62C, N58741, Carthage, NY, July 12, 2000 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 12, 2000, 17:10 local (21:10 UTC) - Place: Carthage, NY - Coordinates: 43.980854, -75.600433 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.9809&lon=-75.6004&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report March 2, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 49686 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC00LA197 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/49686/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00LA197 ## Probable cause the pilot's improper decision to depart with obstacles ahead which exceeded the climb capability of the airplane. Factors were the grass runway, and trees at the departure end of the runway. ## 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 - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - grass (contributing factor) - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) ## Analysis Prior to departure, the pilot was briefed by the airport owner about either departing into the wind, with a tree line at the end of the runway, or departing downwind, with no obstacles beyond the end of the runway. The pilot elected to depart into the wind. The pilot reported the airplane became airborne on the runway, but it could not climb over the trees at the departure end of the runway. The pilot then turned toward a low area in the tree line, struck some trees, and came to rest beyond the trees, in a parking lot between two buildings. Witnesses reported that the grass on the runway was at least 3 inches high, and possibly higher. ## Factual narrative On July 12, 2000, about 1710 Eastern Daylight Time, a Fairchild M-62C (PT-23), N58741, was substantially damaged while departing a private, non-designated airport in Carthage, New York. The certificated private pilot received serious injuries, and the pilot rated passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. No flight plan had been filed for the flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he had landed earlier in the day at the airport. The airplane was serviced and he offered a ride to the passenger, which was accepted. The pilot reported the takeoff was initiated with him sitting in the rear cockpit, and the passenger in the forward cockpit. Trees, about 50 feet high were located on the departure end of the runway. The pilot reported that after the airplane became airborne, there was insufficient room to accelerate to the optimum climb speed of 80 mph, and climb above the trees. The pilot then aimed the airplane for a low spot in the trees. The airplane struck trees, and came to rest in a parking lot between two buildings beyond the trees. Both wings and the engine separated from the fuselage. The pilot reported that he had operated out of the airport several times with a Cessna 172 with no problems. When asked about the grass, he reported he thought it was about 4 to 5 inches long. The pilot reported the winds were from 270 degrees to 290 degrees at 4 to 5 knots. The owner of the airport was the passenger. He reported the east/west turf runway was about 2,600 feet long and 300 feet wide. He thought the grass was about 3 inches high. Trees about 50 feet high were located on the west-end of the runway. Due to the trees, most flights land to the west toward the trees, and depart to the east, even with a tailwind, because there are no obstacles to clear. He said he mentioned this to the pilot who elected to depart to the west, over the trees. He reported the winds were from the northwest at 5 knots. The passenger also reported that when he saw they would not clear the trees, he also placed his hands on the flight controls along with the pilot. Both pilots reported a wind of about 5 knots from the northwest. The closest weather reporting was Wheeler-Sack AAF, Fort Drum, New York, located 7 nautical miles northwest of the departure airport. At 1655, they reported winds from 020 degrees at 8 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N58741](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N58741), registered now, S/N 2703AE, built 1943 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Fairchild M-62C - Registry model: [Fairchild M-62C(PT-23A)](https://openairdocs.org/model/fairchild-m-62c-pt-23a) (registry code 3371630) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental W670 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-w670-series) (registry code 17018, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 247621 - Airframe hours: 2388 - Engines: Continental W6TO-6A 220 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: John S. Alexander - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 2000, 50 hours before - Departed: NONE - Airport: NONE, Carthage, runway 27, 2,600 × 300 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 348 total, 38 in this make and model, 311 as pilot in command, 38 in the last 90 days, 38 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 320° at 5 knots - Lowest ceiling: none - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg ## 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 20000712043489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000712043489A), Jul 12, 2000: Frchld M62C, East Carthage, NY, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot was attempting take-off from grass strip into wind in northerly direction. Following normal run-up, began take off roll, when aircraft became… 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.