CESSNA 172K
Greers Ferry, AR — July 4, 2012
Event Information
| Date | July 4, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN12CA422 |
| Event ID | 20120709X03943 |
| Location | Greers Ferry, AR |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.60222, -92.14250 |
| Airport | Sky Point Estates |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 172K |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 3 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain a positive rate of climb while taking off with a high density altitude.
Full Narrative
The airplane reached an altitude of approximately 80 feet above the ground on takeoff when it encountered an “air pocket.” The airplane descended and the left wing contacted 20 foot tall trees. The airplane descended to the ground coming to rest alongside a building. The left wing was substantially damaged. The density altitude was calculated to be 3,790 feet. The pilot recommended that taking off with a cooler temperature and less weight in the airplane could have prevented the accident. The pilot did not recognize and compensate for the high density altitude condition that existed at the time of takeoff.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.