# NTSB NYC04CA032: Cessna 172N, N738UL, Philippi, WV, November 9, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: November 9, 2003, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC) - Place: Philippi, WV - Coordinates: 39.093334, -80.025833 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0933&lon=-80.0258&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report March 2, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Charleston FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 58320 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC04CA032 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/58320/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04CA032 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper decision to depart from a runway of insufficient length. Factors in the accident were the turf runway and tailwind condition. ## 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 - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause) - object - tree(s) - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor) - terrain condition - grass (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot performed a short-field takeoff from runway 19, and rotated the airplane about 1,300 feet from the approach end of the runway. During the initial climb out, the airplane impacted the tops of 40-foot-tall trees, and came to rest inverted, suspended in a tree. The pilot experienced no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Interpolation of the Takeoff Distance Chart in the Cessna 172N Pilot's Operating Handbook, revealed that at a weight of 2100 lbs, 1,000 feet pressure altitude, temperature of 10 degrees Celsius, and a tailwind component of 5 knots, the calculated takeoff distance required was 1,685 feet, for operations on a dry, grass runway. The winds reported at an airport 10 miles to the northwest were from 340 degrees at 6 knots. ## Factual narrative On November 9, 2003, at 1530 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, N738UL, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees during takeoff from Simpson Airport (9W3), Philippi, West Virginia. The certificated private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the private pilot, he performed a short-field takeoff from runway 19 at Simpson. He rotated the airplane at an airspeed of 60 knots, about 1,300 feet from the approach end of the runway. During the initial climb out, the airplane impacted the tops of 40-foot-tall trees, which were about 200 feet from the departure end of the runway. The airplane became inverted and descended through the trees. The airplane came to rest "a few" feet from the ground, inverted, suspended in a tree. The pilot stated that he was aware of the trees prior to takeoff, and he experienced no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. He reported 423 hours of total flight experience, 60 of which were in make and model. According to the Northeast U.S. Airport/Facility Directory, runway 19 was a 1,500-foot long, 100-foot wide, turf strip. A notation of "Trees" was listed under remarks for runway 19. Interpolation of the Takeoff Distance Chart in the Cessna 172N Pilot's Operating Handbook, revealed that at a weight of 2100 lbs, 1,000 feet pressure altitude, temperature of 10 degrees Celsius, and a tailwind component of 5 knots, the calculated takeoff distance required was 1,685 feet, for operations on a dry, grass runway. The weather reported at Clarksburg, WV, 10 miles to the northwest of Philippi, at 1453, included wind from 340 degrees at 6 knots, 10 miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 46 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and altimeter setting of 30.53 inches Hg. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N738UL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N738UL-2013-05-07), registration cancelled 2013-05-07, S/N 17270247, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172N - Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17270247 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Alleghany Flying Club - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, January 6, 2003 - Departed: 9W3, Philippi, WV - Destination: 71D, Grafton, WV - Airport: 9W3, Simpson, runway 19 ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review July 4, 2003; seat: left; flight hours: 423 total, 60 in this make and model, 3 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days - Pilot; age 50; injuries: none; flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review June 5, 2002; seat: right; flight hours: 952 total, 72 in this make and model, 819 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 340° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 23 °F - Altimeter: 30.53 inHg - Observed at: CKB ## 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 20031109035589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20031109035589A), Nov 9, 2003: Cessna 172N, Philipi, WV, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot was attempting a short field take off from a 1500 foot grass strip and the aircraft collided with the trees at the end of the field that were… 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.