On June 1, 1995, a Cessna 172N (registration N3065E) was involved in an aviation accident near Head Waters, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's poor planning/decision making in the attempted departure. Contributing factors are the wet, recently mowed grass airstrip, and the embankment/downhill grade encountered during the aborted takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff from a wet, grass-covered private airstrip, the airplane lifted off, settled back, and the pilot aborted. He intentionally steered into tall grass to stop, but the airplane rolled down an embankment and the nose gear collapsed. Postaccident examination found no preimpact mechanical anomaly.
Event Sequence
The incident occurred during a takeoff attempt from a private airstrip. The strip was wet, grass-covered, and 1,800 feet in length. The airplane lifted off the ground but then settled back onto the grass strip. The pilot aborted the takeoff approximately 1,000 feet down the airstrip. To assist in stopping the airplane, the pilot intentionally angled it off the airstrip and into an area of tall grass. The airplane subsequently rolled down an embankment, and its nose gear collapsed.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he thought the engine did not seem to be developing full power during the takeoff roll.
Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomaly.
What happened in the 1 Jun 1995 Cessna 172N accident near Head Waters, VA?
During takeoff from a wet, grass-covered private airstrip, the airplane lifted off, settled back, and the pilot aborted. He intentionally steered into tall grass to stop, but the airplane rolled down an embankment and the nose gear collapsed. Postaccident examination found no preimpact mechanical anomaly.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jun 1995 Cessna 172N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Jun 1995 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N3065E, at Head Waters, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's poor planning/decision making in the attempted departure. Contributing factors are the wet, recently mowed grass airstrip, and the embankment/downhill grade encountered during the aborted takeoff.
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