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Pilot Reports Power Loss During Takeoff from Short Runway (N1109F)

New Cumberland, WV, US

On August 25, 1992, a Cessna 172H (registration N1109F) operated by John H. Galicic was involved in an aviation accident near New Cumberland, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER TAKEOFF PROCEDURES AND HIS LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF AIRPLANE PERFORMANCE WHICH RESULTED IN AN ABORTED TAKEOFF WITH INSUFFICIENT RUNWAY TO STOP AND THE SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH A FENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported a power loss during takeoff from a 2050-foot runway, leading to an overrun and fence strike. The pilot had 80 total flight hours and 33 hours in the accident airplane.

Accident Summary

A pilot reported an accident during takeoff on Runway 22. According to the pilot's account, full power was applied as the airplane turned onto the runway. About halfway down the runway, one notch of flaps was selected. As the aircraft neared the end of the runway, it lifted off but did not appear to produce full power. The pilot then reduced power and retracted flaps. Despite applying full braking, the airplane could not stop on the runway, and the landing gear snagged a fence.

Runway and Conditions

The runway was 2050 feet in length with trees at the departure end. The temperature was 83 degrees Fahrenheit, and the density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 3800 feet.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had a total flight time of 80 hours, with 33 hours in the accident airplane make and model.

Handbook Recommendations

The pilot's handbook for the airplane advises against using wing flaps for takeoff on short runways with obstructions at the end. It also recommends holding the brakes while applying full power before beginning the takeoff roll on short runways.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Aug 1992 Cessna 172H accident near New Cumberland, WV?

A pilot reported a power loss during takeoff from a 2050-foot runway, leading to an overrun and fence strike. The pilot had 80 total flight hours and 33 hours in the accident airplane.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Aug 1992 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N1109F, operated by John H. Galicic, at New Cumberland, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER TAKEOFF PROCEDURES AND HIS LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF AIRPLANE PERFORMANCE WHICH RESULTED IN AN ABORTED TAKEOFF WITH INSUFFICIENT RUNWAY TO STOP AND THE SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH A FENCE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE; THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT EXPERIENCE, AND HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15526. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.