On June 11, 2000, a Cessna 170B (registration N4514C) was involved in an aviation accident near Dutch John, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in gusty wind conditions and a down draft, which resulted in an inability to gain altitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported strong, gusty winds during takeoff. After liftoff, the aircraft encountered a down draft that prevented altitude gain, leading to a tree strike and post-impact fire.
What happened
During the takeoff roll on runway 29, the pilot noted that wind conditions were challenging, with sustained speeds of 20 knots and gusts reaching 30 knots. Immediately after liftoff, the aircraft encountered a significant down draft that prevented it from gaining altitude. The left wing struck trees before the airplane settled to the ground. A fire broke out after the impact and consumed the aircraft.
Findings
The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 8,460 feet. The combination of high winds, gusts, and a down draft contributed to the inability to climb after takeoff.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in gusty wind conditions and a down draft, which resulted in an inability to gain altitude.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Jun 2000 Cessna 170B accident near Dutch John, UT?
The pilot reported strong, gusty winds during takeoff. After liftoff, the aircraft encountered a down draft that prevented altitude gain, leading to a tree strike and post-impact fire.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Jun 2000 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N4514C, at Dutch John, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in gusty wind conditions and a down draft, which resulted in an inability to gain altitude.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…