On January 25, 2000, a Cessna 172N (registration N2469E) was involved in an aviation accident near Lincolnton, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove ice from the wings during preflight, which resulted in a loss of lift and an inability to climb after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot observed ice on the wings during preflight but did not remove it. The aircraft failed to climb after takeoff and struck a tree.
What happened
During the preflight inspection, the pilot removed snow from the aircraft but noticed ice formation on the wings. He chose not to remove the ice. During takeoff, the aircraft would not climb and collided with a tree. The aircraft spun around 180 degrees and crashed to the ground. The pilot attributed the failure to climb on the ice buildup on the wings.
The investigation
The investigation found that the pilot observed ice formation on the wings during preflight but did not remove it. The pilot attributed the failure to climb on the ice buildup on the wings.
Findings
The findings indicate that the pilot failed to remove ice from the wings during preflight, which contributed to the accident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to remove ice from the wings during preflight, which resulted in a loss of lift and an inability to climb after takeoff.
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