On August 19, 2002, a Cessna 172P (registration N381J) operated by Grandview Photos was involved in an aviation accident near Buffalo City, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The malfunction of the seat positioning system for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the loss of directional control. A factor to the accident was the descending embankment. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported the seat slid rearward during takeoff from a gravel road, causing loss of directional control. The aircraft veered off and down an embankment. Examination could not duplicate the unintentional movement but found potential for improper latching if the seat was twisted.
Incident Summary
During a takeoff from a gravel road, the pilot experienced his seat sliding rearward. This resulted in a loss of directional control, causing the aircraft to veer off the road and go down an embankment.
Examination Findings
Following the incident, the seat and its positioning system were examined. The unintentional rearward movement of the seat, as described by the pilot, could not be duplicated. The seat moved freely along the seat tracks, with the latch pins engaging the pinholes. However, the seat could be twisted (racked), leading to a condition where the outboard latch pin engaged a pinhole while the inboard latch pin failed to engage. When the seat was displaced in the forward direction, both latch pins engaged a pinhole properly.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Aug 2002 Cessna 172P accident near Buffalo City, WI?
The pilot reported the seat slid rearward during takeoff from a gravel road, causing loss of directional control. The aircraft veered off and down an embankment. Examination could not duplicate the unintentional movement but found potential for improper latching if the seat was twisted.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Aug 2002 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N381J, operated by Grandview Photos, at Buffalo City, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The malfunction of the seat positioning system for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the loss of directional control. A factor to the accident was the descending embankment.
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