# NTSB SEA96LA166: Cessna 172G, N4478L, Kettle Falls, WA, July 25, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 24, 1996, 20:00 local (Jul 25, 1996, 03:00 UTC) - Place: Kettle Falls, WA - Coordinates: 48.719268, -117.96006 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.7193&lon=-117.9601&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report May 23, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 42428 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA96LA166 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42428/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA166 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. Factors relating to the accident were: high ambient temperatures; departing from a short, grass runway; and tall trees off the departure end of the airstrip. ## Analysis 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. ## Factual narrative 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. ## 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 - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - temperature,high (contributing factor) - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - grass (contributing factor) - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - short runway/landing area (contributing factor) - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4478L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4478L-2012-11-29), registration cancelled 2012-11-29, S/N 17254573, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172G - Registry model: [Cessna 172G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172g) (registry code 2072420) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 172-54573 - Airframe hours: 3610 - Engines: Continental O-300-C 145 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Johnson, Olen - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 4, 1995, 198 hours before - Destination: BISSELL, WA - Airport: Rickey Point (Private), runway 34, 1,850 × 50 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,350 total, 1,310 in this make and model, 1,285 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 30 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 82 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 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 19960724047089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960724047089A), Jul 24, 1996: Cessna 172G, Kettlefalls, WA, Destroyed. (-16) Pilot stated that he had not obtained any preflight briefing, filed a flight plan or did he do any kind of preflight calculations with regard to this… 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.