Casualties unknown

2003-06-15: Cessna T337G (N4TD) — Lewistown, MT

Lewistown, MT, US

On June 15, 2003, a Cessna T337G (registration N4TD) was involved in an aviation accident near Lewistown, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadequate preflight planning/preparation prior to takeoff, and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff. An inadvertent stall and rough terrain were factors. 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 that during takeoff, failure to retrim from a short field landing caused the control yoke to move aft, leading to a stall and aborted departure, with the aircraft exiting the runway into a field.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported an incident during takeoff from an airstrip. The pilot had previously landed using a short field landing technique and had trimmed the aircraft accordingly. During the subsequent takeoff, the pilot did not readjust the trim setting.

Sequence of Events

As the aircraft accelerated during the takeoff ground run, the control yoke moved back into the pilot's lap. The aircraft became airborne briefly but then stalled, with the left wing dropping. In response, the pilot aborted the takeoff and reduced engine power.

Ground Excursion

The aircraft departed the north side of the runway and traversed a rough wheat field. It eventually came to rest over an embankment adjacent to a dirt road.

Pilot Report

The pilot attributed the incident to the failure to retrim the aircraft after the preceding short field landing, which led to the uncommanded yoke movement and subsequent stall.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030804X01251. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.