On September 12, 1998, a Cessna 170A (registration N4709Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Lagrangeville, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During initial climb after takeoff, the airplane pitched steeply, rocked wings, then rolled and dropped to the right. It came to rest inverted in a wooded area. Post-crash examination found no pre-impact mechanical issues.
Accident Details
According to witnesses, the airplane was observed climbing at a steep pitch angle shortly after takeoff. The wings rocked back and forth several times before the aircraft rolled and dropped to the right. Witnesses reported that the engine noise was loud and constant until the moment of impact.
Final Position
The airplane came to rest inverted in a wooded area approximately 1,600 feet beyond the approach end of the runway, 110 feet to the right of the runway centerline, and at an elevation about 40 feet below the departure runway elevation.
Examination
Post-accident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions.
No cause for the accident was determined in the source material.