On March 15, 1986, a Cessna 172N (registration N7576G) was involved in an aviation accident near Marietta, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Contact with a water-eroded spot on the runway during takeoff, which caused the aircraft to bounce and settle onto a dirt bank without sufficient speed to maintain flight. 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.
An aircraft bounced during takeoff after hitting a water-eroded runway spot, striking a dirt bank and sustaining substantial damage.
What happened
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered a significant irregularity on the runway surface. At approximately 45 knots ground speed, the left main landing gear struck a spot where the pavement had been eroded by water. This impact caused the aircraft to bounce and/or be pulled off the ground prematurely.
The aircraft did not have sufficient airspeed to maintain controlled flight after this event. It settled back toward the surface and impacted a dirt bank adjacent to the runway. The collision with the earthwork resulted in substantial damage to the airframe.
Probable cause
Contact with a water-eroded spot on the runway during takeoff, which caused the aircraft to bounce and settle onto a dirt bank without sufficient speed to maintain flight.
What happened in the 15 Mar 1986 Cessna 172N accident near Marietta, OK?
An aircraft bounced during takeoff after hitting a water-eroded runway spot, striking a dirt bank and sustaining substantial damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Mar 1986 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N7576G, at Marietta, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Contact with a water-eroded spot on the runway during takeoff, which caused the aircraft to bounce and settle onto a dirt bank without sufficient speed to maintain flight.
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