On January 25, 2004, a Cessna 172 (registration N1361U) was involved in an aviation accident near Girdwood, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot indicated that the failure of the airspeed indicator may have been due to ice in the pitot-static system. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot aborted takeoff on a snow and ice-covered gravel runway after the airspeed indicator failed, but the airplane overran the runway and struck a snowbank.
Incident
A private pilot was attempting to take off in his personal airplane from a gravel runway that was covered with snow and ice. The runway was 2,100 feet long. During the takeoff roll, the pilot noticed that the airspeed indicator was not functioning. He decided to abort the takeoff. Despite his efforts, the airplane could not be stopped before it ran off the end of the runway and collided with a snowbank.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that the pitot heat was turned on and functioning during the preflight inspection, taxi, and run-up. He also stated that the static port was clear. The pilot indicated that the failure of the airspeed indicator may have been due to ice in the pitot-static system.
Probable cause
The pilot indicated that the failure of the airspeed indicator may have been due to ice in the pitot-static system.
What happened in the 25 Jan 2004 Cessna 172 accident near Girdwood, AK?
A private pilot aborted takeoff on a snow and ice-covered gravel runway after the airspeed indicator failed, but the airplane overran the runway and struck a snowbank.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jan 2004 Cessna 172 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jan 2004 involved a Cessna 172, registration N1361U, at Girdwood, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot indicated that the failure of the airspeed indicator may have been due to ice in the pitot-static system.
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