On June 25, 1992, a Cessna 177 (registration N2888X) operated by Charles E. King was involved in an aviation accident near Napoleon, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INADVERTENT STALL ON TAKEOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted the first takeoff on a 2575-foot grass runway. On the second attempt, the aircraft became airborne, but witnesses observed a stall-like attitude. The pilot felt buffeting and attempted to maneuver; the aircraft then hit the ground, skidded across a road, and hit a tree.
Event Details
During the second takeoff attempt from the 2575-foot grass Runway 27, the aircraft lifted off. The pilot had earlier aborted the first takeoff attempt on the same runway. The runway surface was grass, and the departure end featured trees at least 69 feet tall.
Witness and Pilot Observations
Witnesses described the aircraft as 'flying in ground effect' and 'appeared to be in a stalled attitude.' The pilot later stated that he 'felt the aircraft buffeting like it was going to stall.' This prompted him to attempt a maneuver.
Impact and Environmental Factors
The aircraft struck the ground, skidded across a road, and collided with a tree. The wind was reported as 360 degrees at 4 knots, a light northerly breeze. The presence of tall trees off the departure end of the runway was noted.