On August 14, 1994, a Cessna 172RG (registration N9340D) was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning in that he operated the aircraft at a weight which exceeded the maximum takeoff weight and his improper use of flaps during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff after climbing abnormally and entering a left turn. Investigation found weight exceeded maximum by 73 pounds and flaps were extended 12 degrees, contrary to manual.
Accident Description
Witnesses reported that the aircraft did not appear to climb at a normal rate after departure. Tower personnel stated that the pilot requested an emergency landing immediately after takeoff. The aircraft was observed entering a left turn at about 200 feet above ground level. The nose then dropped, and the aircraft crashed into terrain just off the departure end of the runway.
Conditions and Calculations
The density altitude at the airport at the time of the accident was approximately 2,377 feet. Weight and balance computations showed that the aircraft's weight exceeded the maximum takeoff weight by about 73 pounds.
Flap Configuration
The aircraft information manual specifies that takeoff should be performed with flaps retracted. However, post-accident examination found the flaps extended to 12 degrees.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 14 Aug 1994 Cessna 172RG accident near Atlanta, GA?
An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff after climbing abnormally and entering a left turn. Investigation found weight exceeded maximum by 73 pounds and flaps were extended 12 degrees, contrary to manual.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Aug 1994 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N9340D, at Atlanta, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning in that he operated the aircraft at a weight which exceeded the maximum takeoff weight and his improper use of flaps during takeoff.
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