On April 18, 1992, a Cessna 172M (registration N80115) operated by Kinney, John M. was involved in an aviation accident near Haines, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff in time after encountering soft sand patches, which prevented the airplane from attaining sufficient airspeed and resulted in an overrun into water. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft failed to gain sufficient airspeed during takeoff from a private airstrip due to soft sand patches, leading to an overrun into surrounding water.
What happened
The pilot initiated takeoff from a private airstrip. During the ground roll, the airplane encountered patches of soft sand which increased rolling resistance. The aircraft was unable to attain sufficient airspeed to become airborne. Consequently, the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff but did not do so in time to stop before reaching the end of the runway. The airplane overran the paved surface and collided with the water that surrounded the airstrip on three sides.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the inability to achieve lift due to reduced acceleration caused by soft sand conditions. The proximity of the water to the runway threshold left no margin for error in stopping distance.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff in time after encountering soft sand patches, which prevented the airplane from attaining sufficient airspeed and resulted in an overrun into water.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Apr 1992 Cessna 172M accident near Haines, AK?
An aircraft failed to gain sufficient airspeed during takeoff from a private airstrip due to soft sand patches, leading to an overrun into surrounding water.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Apr 1992 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N80115, operated by Kinney, John M., at Haines, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff in time after encountering soft sand patches, which prevented the airplane from attaining sufficient airspeed and resulted in an overrun into water.
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