Casualties unknown

1997-07-05: Cessna 170B (N37RA) — Bend, OR

Bend, OR, US

On July 5, 1997, a Cessna 170B (registration N37RA) was involved in an aviation accident near Bend, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to attain a proper climb rate. High density altitude and the pilot's failure to use all of the available runway were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft failed to maintain climb after takeoff and collided with trees approximately one mile southeast of the runway.

What happened

The pilot initiated the takeoff roll at the 1,000-foot displaced threshold of a runway that is 5,500 feet in length. During the takeoff, the ground roll appeared unusually long, with the aircraft lifting off after using most of the available runway, specifically between two-thirds and three-quarters of the way down the pavement.

Upon liftoff, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 50 feet but was unable to climb any higher. In an attempt to avoid obstacles, the pilot executed a turn away from nearby trees. Despite these efforts, the aircraft subsequently struck trees located about one mile southeast of the runway. Following the collision with the trees, the nose of the airplane dropped, resulting in a steep, nose-down impact with the terrain.

Environmental conditions at the time of the accident included an airport elevation of 4,159 feet and a calculated density altitude of 6,118 feet.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08503. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.