What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-02-06 involved a Cessna 177, registration N2386Y, at Corona, CA.

Overweight Takeoff Leads to Collision with Terrain (N2386Y)

On February 6, 1996, a Cessna 177 (registration N2386Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Corona, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: improper planning/decision by the pilot-in-command (PIC), and his failure to ensure that adequate airspeed was obtain and/or maintain during lift-off/initial climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot flying with a prospective buyer, who was an airline captain, experienced a failed climb after rotation, resulting in a forced landing in a clearing. The takeoff weight exceeded the maximum allowable by 154.8 pounds.

Flight Details

The pilot-in-command (PIC) was conducting a local flight with a prospective buyer and the buyer's family. The PIC occupied the right front seat. The prospective buyer, an airline captain, expressed reservations about flying the airplane, stating he was not current in small airplanes.

Accident Sequence

During the takeoff, the prospective buyer rotated the airplane when it reached midfield and immediately lifted off. After lift-off, the airplane would not climb. The PIC then assumed control and lowered the nose, but was unable to gain flying speed. When he realized the airplane would not clear trees at the end of the runway, he allowed the airplane to settle in an open clearing.

Engine Examination

Both pilots reported that the engine sounded normal throughout the accident sequence. An examination of the engine disclosed no evidence of any preexisting malfunction or failure.

Weight Analysis

The airplane's takeoff weight was found to exceed the maximum allowable takeoff weight by 154.8 pounds.

1996-02-06: Cessna 177 (N2386Y) — Corona, CA