Casualties unknown

1999-08-29: Cessna 172N (N737CJ) — Air Transport, Inc. — Sussex, NJ

Sussex, NJ, US

On August 29, 1999, a Cessna 172N (registration N737CJ) operated by Air Transport, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Sussex, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to takeoff with a tailwind. Factor's in this accident were the tailwind condition and pressure to depart caused by other airplanes performing successful downwind departures. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During an airshow at an uncontrolled airport, a departing airplane impacted trees off Runway 21, then pitched down and crashed into a field. Witnesses reported tailwind conditions and earlier struggling departures.

Incident Overview

At the conclusion of an airshow held at an uncontrolled airport, pilots reported that an individual on the Unicom frequency directed airplanes to depart Runway 21. While awaiting takeoff from that runway, several pilots noted that the windsock indicated a direct tailwind. Witnesses observed other departing airplanes 'struggling' to climb and coming 'really close' to trees located off the departure end of the runway.

Accident Sequence

The accident airplane subsequently departed Runway 21 and impacted the trees located off the departure end of the runway. After the impact, the airplane pitched down and continued into a field, where it came to rest.

Weather Conditions

Winds reported at an airport approximately 38 miles southeast of the accident site were from 340 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 19 knots. Witnesses stated that the wind was blowing 'straight down,' favoring Runway 3, which was opposite to the departure runway in use.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19616. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.