SEA96LA166

The pilot initiated a takeoff from a 1,850 foot grass airstrip, with an ambient temperature of about 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The aircraft barely cleared the trees at the end of the runway, then it settled into trees about one-quarter mile from the end of the airstrip. Later calculations determined the density altitude to be approximately 3,000 feet. The pilot reported that there had not been any problem with the aircraft's engine. Later, the pilot stated that he should have either waited to take off when the temperatures were lower, or he should have reduced the fuel load.

On July 24, 1996, approximately 2000 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172G, N4478L, registered to and being flown by a private pilot, was destroyed during a collision with trees and terrain during the initial climb immediately following takeoff from a private airstrip near Kettle Falls, Washington. The pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and was destined for a private airstrip at Clark Lake, Bissell, Washington.

The pilot reported that upon departing the 1,850 foot-long grass runway to the north, he "ran out of airspeed and altitude." He said he barely cleared the trees at the end of the runway, but the aircraft settled into the trees about one-quarter mile off the end of the airstrip. He stated that there was no mechanical malfunction with the aircraft or its powerplant and that the crash site was approximately 1,300 feet above sea level. He also estimated the temperature at 82 degrees at the time of the crash. Computer generated density altitude calculations determined the density altitude to be just over 3,000 feet. In the "How Could This Accident Have Been Prevented" block of the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated he could have waited for cooler temperatures or reduced the amount of fuel onboard.