Casualties unknown

2002-05-30: Cessna 170B (N4559C) — Rock Springs, WY

Rock Springs, WY, US

On May 30, 2002, a Cessna 170B (registration N4559C) was involved in an aviation accident near Rock Springs, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial takeoff climb. A contributing factor was the gusty crosswind. 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

A pilot reported losing airspeed and hearing a stall warning after lifting off on runway 21 in gusty crosswind conditions, with the airplane mushing into the ground from 20-30 feet.

Takeoff and Wind Encounter

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on runway 21, the wind shifted from the west, becoming a right crosswind. The pilot stated: "Holding the right wing down, I felt I would be better off airborne, so [I] lifted the airplane off. [The] wind pushed me left of [the] runway. I kept trying to force [the] airplane to fly, but didn't have enough airspeed."

Attempt to Regain Airspeed

According to the pilot, a slight left turn was made toward lower ground in an effort to gain airspeed. The pilot said: "From [an] estimated height of 20-30 feet, [the] stall warning horn began blaring, airplane mushed into [the ground] - no breakover from stall."

Post-accident Examination

An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.

Wind Conditions

The reported winds 20 minutes before the accident were 290 degrees at 13 knots with gusts to 24 knots. The reported winds 39 minutes after the accident were 270 degrees at 17 knots with gusts to 22 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020610X00838. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.