Aircraft collision with power lines during takeoff

Casualties unknown • Punkin Center, AZ, US

An aircraft collided with trees and a power line during its initial climb following takeoff from a dirt runway.

What happened

During the initial climb phase of takeoff from a 1,000-foot-long dirt runway, an aircraft collided with a power line and trees. The pilot reported that the aircraft accelerated normally while using runway 23. However, during the takeoff, there was a 40-degree quartering tailwind, and the aircraft did not gain altitude as rapidly as anticipated.

At the time of the accident, the wind was from 090 degrees at approximately 5 knots, with occasional gusts to 10 knots. The ambient temperature was estimated at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the elevation of the airstrip was 2,620 feet mean sea level. Due to these conditions, the Safety Board estimated the density altitude was approximately 6,000 feet.

The investigation

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions present during the flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to gain altitude as rapidly as anticipated during takeoff due to high density altitude conditions and a quartering tailwind, resulting in a collision with power lines and trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-07-23 Cessna 180C accident near Punkin Center, AZ?

An aircraft collided with trees and a power line during its initial climb following takeoff from a dirt runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-07-23 involved a Cessna 180C, registration N767RK, at Punkin Center, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to gain altitude as rapidly as anticipated during takeoff due to high density altitude conditions and a quartering tailwind, resulting in a collision with power lines and trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030724X01181. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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