Accident Overview
A Cessna 175A was involved in an accident during the initial takeoff climb. After departure, the aircraft descended and collided with a tree approximately one-quarter mile from the airport. The airplane had been hand-propped to start the engine, then taxied for departure with three other adults on board.
Flight Performance
During the climb, the airplane reached an altitude of about twenty feet and then failed to gain further altitude. The aircraft was determined to be 21 pounds over its maximum gross weight. The density altitude at the time was 8,800 feet above mean sea level, indicating high-altitude conditions.
Engine Findings
An examination of the engine revealed metal particles suspended in the engine oil. Analysis of the oil indicated that engine wear was high for the 13 hours since the last oil change. Further inspection found teeth from a broken starter drive gear in the engine oil sump. The starter drive had been replaced 3.5 years before the accident. In the intervening period, three annual inspections were completed.
Inspection History
The aircraft underwent three annual inspections in the three years prior to the accident. The starter drive replacement had occurred 3.5 years before the event, and the oil change had been performed 13 flight hours earlier.