On May 11, 1993, a Cessna 172M (registration N9985V) operated by Wyatt Aviation Services was involved in an aviation accident near Ochopee, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff from a parking ramp instead of a runway, combined with the aircraft's inability to develop full RPM during takeoff due to the cruise propeller, leading to an overrun. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted a takeoff from a short parking ramp to save time, but aborted the run due to insufficient power, causing the aircraft to overrun into water.
What happened
The pilot decided to utilize a 1,200-foot long parking ramp for an initial takeoff attempt rather than using the available 12,000-foot runway. This decision was made in an effort to conserve time. The aircraft was equipped with a cruise propeller, which is not designed to develop full revolutions per minute during the takeoff phase.
During the ground roll, the pilot determined that sufficient performance could not be achieved and aborted the takeoff. Consequently, the airplane overran the end of the parking ramp. It came to rest in an area consisting of water and muck.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff from a parking ramp instead of a runway, combined with the aircraft's inability to develop full RPM during takeoff due to the cruise propeller, leading to an overrun.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 May 1993 Cessna 172M accident near Ochopee, FL?
A pilot attempted a takeoff from a short parking ramp to save time, but aborted the run due to insufficient power, causing the aircraft to overrun into water.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 May 1993 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9985V, operated by Wyatt Aviation Services, at Ochopee, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff from a parking ramp instead of a runway, combined with the aircraft's inability to develop full RPM during takeoff due to the cruise propeller, leading to an overrun.
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