On February 28, 1991, a Cessna 172 (registration N7119T) operated by Merle D. Kirchem was involved in an aviation accident near Oregon City, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN PROPER AIRSPEED BEFORE TAKEOFF. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE BINDING BRAKE, THE UPHILL GRASS AIRSTRIP, THE TAIL WIND WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE IMPROPER ANNUAL INSPECTION THAT WAS JUST COMPLETED ON THE AIRCRAFT. 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 attempted an uphill takeoff from a grass airstrip with a tailwind. The aircraft lifted off, settled back, then became airborne again near the strip's end, impacting vegetation and a tree. Investigation found a corroded brake cylinder and a mechanic lacking inspection authorization.
Accident Overview
A pilot initiated a takeoff uphill on a grass airstrip under tailwind weather conditions. The aircraft lifted off near midfield, then settled back onto the ground. It became airborne again approximately 150 feet from the end of the strip. The aircraft subsequently impacted berry vines at the end of the strip, rolled 90 degrees to the right, and struck a tree off the end of the airstrip.
Mechanical Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right brake cylinder was corroded and the brake was binding. This mechanical condition may have affected aircraft performance during the takeoff roll.
Maintenance Irregularity
The A&P mechanic who signed off an annual inspection of the aircraft just before the accident did not hold aircraft inspection authorization, indicating a regulatory discrepancy in the maintenance process.
What happened in the 28 Feb 1991 Cessna 172 accident near Oregon City, OR?
A pilot attempted an uphill takeoff from a grass airstrip with a tailwind. The aircraft lifted off, settled back, then became airborne again near the strip's end, impacting vegetation and a tree. Investigation found a corroded brake cylinder and a mechanic lacking inspection authorization.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Feb 1991 involved a Cessna 172, registration N7119T, operated by Merle D. Kirchem, at Oregon City, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN PROPER AIRSPEED BEFORE TAKEOFF. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE BINDING BRAKE, THE UPHILL GRASS AIRSTRIP, THE TAIL WIND WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE IMPROPER ANNUAL INSPECTION THAT WAS JUST COMPLETED ON THE AIRCRAFT.
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