On July 18, 1995, a Cessna 172 (registration N53716) was involved in an aviation accident near Motley, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a soft field 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 a soft field takeoff, the pilot lifted at 60 mph but lost airspeed while correcting drift, causing the left wing to brush the runway before a hard landing.
What happened
The accident occurred while the pilot was attempting a soft field takeoff. According to the pilot's statement, he lifted the airplane off the ground at approximately 60 mph and maintained a position above the runway to build airspeed. During this phase, the left wing dipped, causing the aircraft to veer toward the right side of the runway.
While attempting to correct for the drift, the airplane lost both airspeed and altitude. The pilot reported that the left wing then brushed against the runway surface, followed by the right wing making harder contact with the ground. The aircraft subsequently hit hard on the runway before coming to a complete stop.
What happened in the 18 Jul 1995 Cessna 172 accident near Motley, MN?
During a soft field takeoff, the pilot lifted at 60 mph but lost airspeed while correcting drift, causing the left wing to brush the runway before a hard landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Jul 1995 involved a Cessna 172, registration N53716, at Motley, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a soft field takeoff.
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