On October 1, 1996, a Cessna 172M (registration N5459H) operated by Jonathon E. Allen was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar City, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to attain proper airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in a premature lift-off and an encounter with the terrain during the aborted landing. Excessive extension of the wing flaps was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported initiating takeoff with 10 degrees of flaps, but after lift-off the aircraft would not climb. He set it down, and it nosed over, sliding 60-70 feet. Post-incident inspection showed flaps fully extended to 40 degrees.
Incident Overview
A pilot experienced a loss of altitude capability shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip. According to the pilot, he had selected what he believed to be 10 degrees of flaps for departure. Following lift-off, the aircraft assumed a nose-up attitude but failed to gain altitude. The pilot reported seeing no speed on the airspeed indicator and decided to set the aircraft back down.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft then nosed into the ground, continued beyond the end of the airstrip, and came to a stop after sliding approximately 60 to 70 feet. The pilot later noted that the flaps appeared fully extended to the 40 degrees down position. He also noted that he must not have returned the flap switch to the neutral position, and that it did not automatically spring back.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Oct 1996 Cessna 172M accident near Cedar City, UT?
A pilot reported initiating takeoff with 10 degrees of flaps, but after lift-off the aircraft would not climb. He set it down, and it nosed over, sliding 60-70 feet. Post-incident inspection showed flaps fully extended to 40 degrees.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Oct 1996 Cessna 172M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Oct 1996 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N5459H, operated by Jonathon E. Allen, at Cedar City, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to attain proper airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in a premature lift-off and an encounter with the terrain during the aborted landing. Excessive extension of the wing flaps was a related factor.
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