# NTSB SEA07CA183: Cessna 172N, N733XW, Greenwater, WA, June 26, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: June 26, 2007, 12:15 local (19:15 UTC) - Place: Greenwater, WA - Coordinates: 47.013053, -121.533889 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.0131&lon=-121.5339&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 October 31, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 66070 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA07CA183 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66070/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA183 ## Probable cause The in-flight encounter with a sudden windshift during the takeoff initial climb, to which the certified flight instructor responded by aborting the takeoff and landing off the end of the runway. The ditch was a contributing factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb - weather condition - sudden windshift (cause) - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command(cfi) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - aborted - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor) - Nose over, landing - roll ## Analysis The private pilot undergoing instruction (PUI) was undertaking a mountain checkout in order to rent the airplane. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and PUI obtained a full weather briefing and the CFI had been to the airport on many occasions. They listened to the weather observation taken from a nearby mountain pass and the winds were reported from 090 degrees at 8 knots. They over flew the airport and noted that the windsock was indicating calm winds and they elected to land to the south. During the approach into the mountain airport, the CFI noted a light bump over the approach end of the 2,875-foot long, 30-foot wide runway. After calculating takeoff distances and determining density altitude, the CFI and PUI noted that the windsock was still indicating calm wind conditions, so they elected to depart to the north (the calm wind preferred departure route). The CFI noted that the temperature was 18 degrees Celsius. They configured the airplane for a short field takeoff, applying 15 degrees of flaps. While holding the brakes, the PUI added full power and began the takeoff roll. The CFI noted that maximum static power was being obtained. The PUI rotated the airplane at 50 knots (target speed was 56 knots). Approximately 15-20 feet above ground level, a gust of wind blew the airplane to the right and the CFI assumed control of the airplane. The airplane then sank. At this point, the CFI elected to discontinue the takeoff and as the airplane settled downward, he noted a newly installed guardrail at the end of the runway. He applied additional power to overfly the guardrail and land in a clear area beyond it. The airplane began to slow and then impacted a ditch and nosed-over. ## Factual narrative The private pilot undergoing instruction (PUI) was undertaking a mountain checkout in order to rent the airplane. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and PUI obtained a full weather briefing and the CFI had been to the airport on many occasions. They listened to the weather observation taken from a nearby mountain pass and the winds were reported from 090 degrees at 8 knots. They over flew the airport and noted that the windsock was indicating calm winds and they elected to land to the south. During the approach into the mountain airport, the CFI noted a light bump over the approach end of the 2,875-foot long, 30-foot wide runway. After calculating takeoff distances and determining density altitude, the CFI and PUI noted that the windsock was still indicating calm wind conditions, so they elected to depart to the north (the calm wind preferred departure route). The CFI noted that the temperature was 18 degrees Celsius. They configured the airplane for a short field takeoff, applying 15 degrees of flaps. While holding the brakes, the PUI added full power and began the takeoff roll. The CFI noted that maximum static power was being obtained. The PUI rotated the airplane at 50 knots (target speed was 56 knots). Approximately 15-20 feet above ground level, a gust of wind blew the airplane to the right and the CFI assumed control of the airplane. The airplane then sank. At this point, the CFI elected to discontinue the takeoff and as the airplane settled downward, he noted a newly installed guardrail at the end of the runway. He applied additional power to overfly the guardrail and land in a clear area beyond it. The airplane began to slow and then impacted a ditch and nosed-over. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N733XW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N733XW-2007-08-16), registration cancelled 2007-08-16, S/N 17268640 (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: 17268640 - Engines: Textron Lycoming O-320-D2J reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Boeing Employees Flying Assoc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Departed: RNT, Renton, WA - Destination: 21W, Greenwater, WA - Airport: 21W, Ranger Creek, runway 33, 2,875 × 30 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 39; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2; flight hours: 2,413 total, 1,650 in this make and model, 115 in the last 90 days, 38 in the last 30 days - Student pilot ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 9 knots, gusting 21 - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 27 °F - Altimeter: 30.20 inHg - Observed at: SMP ## 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 20070626012659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070626012659A), Jun 26, 2007: Cessna 172N, Greenwater, WA, Substantial damage. (-23) Mountain checkout with CFI and new private pilot. Calm winds, hit windshear on takeoff, elected to land. Ran off end of rwy at Ranger Creek (Greenwater,… ## Other investigations on N733XW (1) 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. - [NTSB SEA02LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02LA017), Nov 24, 2001: Cessna 172N (N733XW), Snohomish, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The student pilot misjudged the distance from a fence during taxi. The flight instructors inadequate supervision and the fence were factors. 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.