# NTSB SEA96LA163: Cessna 152, N49794, Stehekin, WA, July 23, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 23, 1996, 14:15 local (21:15 UTC) - Place: Stehekin, WA - Coordinates: 48.339927, -120.700218 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.3399&lon=-120.7002&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report February 28, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 42425 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA96LA163 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42425/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA163 ## Probable cause the pilot's improper planning/decision, and his failure to ensure that the airplane would remain clear of trees during the takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: high density altitude, and the proximity of trees to 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 - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor) - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis While departing from a dirt runway in mountainous terrain, the airplane hit trees at the departure end of the runway. The pilot stated that the airplane seemed to have good speed on the takeoff roll; however, by the time he was over the trees at the end of the runway, the stall warning buzzer was sounding. The pilot said he could not get the airplane to clear the trees. The airport elevation was 1230 feet msl. Weather at the time was reported by the pilot to be 85 degrees with a pressure reading of 30.00. Under these conditions, the density altitude was about 3080 ft. ## Factual narrative On July 23, 1996, approximately 1415 Pacific Daylight time, a Cessna 152, N49794, operated by Apple Valley Air in Omak, WA, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees near Stehekin State Airport near Stehekin, WA. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The 14 CFR 91 personal flight was on takeoff from Stehekin to Omak, Washington when the aircraft hit trees. During a telephone interview with the pilot, he stated that he seemed to have good speed on the takeoff roll. However, by the time he was over the trees at the end of the runway, he said that the stall warning buzzer was sounding and he could not clear the trees. In the pilot's accident report he stated that "Power stall on takeoff, hit tops of trees at 40 knots, flash engine fire immediately, plane then fell approx 30ft." The Stehekin State Airport is at 1230 feet MSL. Weather at the time was reported by the pilot to be 85 degrees with a pressure reading of 30.00. Under these conditions the density altitude was about 3080 ft. The operator estimated the fuel on board at takeoff was about 19 to 21 gallons. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N49794](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N49794-2013-06-11), registration cancelled 2013-06-11, S/N 15281319, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 152 - Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15281319 - Airframe hours: 3593 - Engines: Lycoming O-235 115 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Sandefur, Bobby G. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 4, 1995, 86 hours before - Destination: OMK, OMAK, WA - Airport: 6S9, Stehekin State, runway 32, 2,700 × 60 ft, dirt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 110 total, 30 in this make and model, 20 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 90° at 4 knots - Visibility: 50 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F - 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 19960723019569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960723019569A), Jul 23, 1996: Cessna 152, Stehekin, WA, Substantial damage. Stalled into trees on climbout. Premature liftoff behind power curve density altitude 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.