On April 11, 1992, a Cessna 170B (registration N1966C) operated by Tonding, Lowell C. was involved in an aviation accident near St. James, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in a stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed an airplane taking off from a private grass airstrip with a left quartering tailwind. The tail lifted prematurely, the aircraft turned left, flew low across a valley to the north, and appeared to stall before crashing.
What happened
The accident occurred during the initial climb phase of flight following takeoff from a private grass airstrip. Witnesses observed the airplane departing with a left quartering tailwind present. During the rotation process, the tail section lifted off the ground prematurely, causing the aircraft to pitch up excessively.
Following this premature rotation, the airplane turned toward the left side. One witness reported that the aircraft came off the ground and flew at a low airspeed and low altitude across a valley located to the north of the airstrip. The aircraft then appeared to stall while maintaining this low flight path before impacting the terrain.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in a stall.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Apr 1992 Cessna 170B accident near St. James, MO?
Witnesses observed an airplane taking off from a private grass airstrip with a left quartering tailwind. The tail lifted prematurely, the aircraft turned left, flew low across a valley to the north, and appeared to stall before crashing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Apr 1992 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N1966C, operated by Tonding, Lowell C., at St. James, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in a stall.
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