On May 6, 1984, a Cessna 172 (registration N5173A) was involved in an aviation accident near Allen, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb, which resulted in insufficient performance to clear obstacles. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot with limited experience in the aircraft type was unable to gain sufficient altitude during departure, resulting in a collision with trees and utility infrastructure near the airport end.
What happened
The pilot reported that he was unable to achieve the necessary climb gradient to clear the tree line located at the end of the runway. As the aircraft ascended, the left wing struck a tree. Subsequently, the right wing made contact with a power line and an associated utility pole before the aircraft impacted the ground.
The investigation
The pilot possessed approximately 400 hours of experience in this specific make and model of aircraft and was the registered owner of the plane. Environmental conditions at the time included a density altitude of roughly 2,500 feet.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb, which resulted in insufficient performance to clear obstacles.
What happened in the 6 May 1984 Cessna 172 accident near Allen, OK?
A pilot with limited experience in the aircraft type was unable to gain sufficient altitude during departure, resulting in a collision with trees and utility infrastructure near the airport end.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 May 1984 involved a Cessna 172, registration N5173A, at Allen, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb, which resulted in insufficient performance to clear obstacles.
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