On November 25, 1995, a Cessna 172G (registration N6094R) operated by Bell, Douglas M. was involved in an aviation accident near Nora Springs, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, which resulted in loss of airspeed and a stall/mush as he was maneuvering to avoid obstructions off the end of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff from a runway, a pilot reported that after clearing a 30-foot powerline, airspeed decreased and a stall warning horn sounded as the left wing dropped. The aircraft was operated above its maximum allowable gross weight due to an error in weight calculation.
Event Details
According to the pilot, winds were from 360 degrees at 10 knots. Initially, the pilot intended to take off to the west but later decided to depart to the east. Near the east end of the runway, a 30-foot high powerline and a building were located to the north. The airplane cleared the powerline successfully. However, the airspeed continued to decrease after clearing the obstacle. The pilot reported hearing a faint sound of the stall warning horn, at which point the left wing dropped.
Weight and Balance
The investigation revealed that the airplane was being operated over its maximum allowable gross takeoff weight. The pilot had used the sample weight referenced in the Pilot's Operating Handbook instead of the equipment list weight to determine the aircraft's weight.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Nov 1995 Cessna 172G accident near Nora Springs, IA?
During takeoff from a runway, a pilot reported that after clearing a 30-foot powerline, airspeed decreased and a stall warning horn sounded as the left wing dropped. The aircraft was operated above its maximum allowable gross weight due to an error in weight calculation.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Nov 1995 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N6094R, operated by Bell, Douglas M., at Nora Springs, IA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, which resulted in loss of airspeed and a stall/mush as he was maneuvering to avoid obstructions off the end of the runway. Factors relating to the accident were: the unfavorable wind condition, high obstructions, and the airplane's excessive gross weight.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…