On July 27, 2003, a Cessna 170B (registration N1979C) operated by Craig Hanson was involved in an aviation accident near Schafer, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delayed remedial action during the takeoff roll. Factors include wet terrain, a fence and an embankment located at the end of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot aborted takeoff due to insufficient lift; the aircraft skidded off the damp turf runway, through a fence, and down an embankment.
Accident Details
The pilot of an aircraft reported that he aborted the takeoff roll after determining that the airplane was not generating sufficient lift to safely take off and clear obstacles at the end of the runway. He applied heavy braking, but the airplane skidded off the departure end of the runway, through a fence, and down an embankment.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that he aborted the takeoff approximately halfway down the runway. He described the turf runway as damp at the time of the accident.
Runway Information
Schafer Airport, located at an elevation of 4,933 feet above mean sea level, has a single turf runway designated 07/25. The runway measures 3,200 feet in length and 60 feet in width.