Accident Overview
On May 20, 2010, at approximately 2145 Eastern Daylight Time, a Cessna 172N, registration N739RK, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground in a residential area shortly after takeoff from Kobelt Airport (N45) in Wallkill, New York. The flight was destined for Brookhaven Airport (HWV) in Shirley, New York. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The certificated private pilot and one passenger were seriously injured; the other two passengers sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Witness and Occupant Accounts
A witness at the airport observed the airplane takeoff, noting that it "barely cleared the trees," then climbed, descended, climbed again, and descended out of view. The owner of the property where the airplane came to rest did not hear or see the impact; he was alerted by his dog barking and hearing a voice on his porch, later identified as one of the occupants.
Two backseat passengers reported that the flight had arrived at N45 from HWV around 1945. After dinner, refueling, and a preflight inspection, they departed about 2130. The takeoff roll appeared normal, but immediately after becoming airborne, the airplane "settled down and would not climb," scraping treetops. The pilot adjusted the pitch, and the airplane climbed again before settling down again. The pilot stated they were "going in," and the airplane struck a tree then the ground, coming to rest upright.
The pilot reported that during initial climb, the engine stopped producing power. He looked for a landing area while confirming the throttle was fully forward. The tachometer indicated approximately 2200 rpm, but he could not recall the carburetor heat position.
The student pilot in the right front seat stated that a preflight run-up was performed using a checklist. After completion, they scanned for traffic, announced intentions, and began the takeoff roll with full power. Approximately 45 seconds after breaking ground, he noticed the strobe lights reflecting off nearby trees. He noted that although the airplane had a card checklist, they did not use it due to familiarity.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 48, held a private pilot certificate with single-engine land rating and a third-class medical certificate issued June 5, 2009. He reported 400 total flight hours.
The airplane was manufactured in 1978 and registered to the pilot in 2007. It was equipped with a Lycoming O-320-H2AD engine. The most recent annual inspection was completed on March 26, 2010, with a tachometer reading of 9,563.1 hours total time in service. The engine had 4,783 total hours and 833.1 hours since major overhaul.
Weight and Balance
Weight and balance calculations revealed an actual takeoff weight of 2,579 pounds, exceeding the maximum allowable takeoff weight of 2,300 pounds specified by the manufacturer.
Fuel Selector Examination
The fuel selector valve was found positioned between the "BOTH" and "LEFT" detents. Bench testing showed that the handle shaft did not turn freely initially; after applying solvent, it rotated with less difficulty. With the valve in the accident position, solvent flowed from the outlet ports. Turning the valve approximately 2 degrees counterclockwise restricted flow. The valve components were in proper assembly order and unremarkable.
The Cessna 172 Information Manual requires the fuel selector to be in the "BOTH" position for takeoff and landing, as per a placard and checklists for before starting engine and before takeoff.
Post-Accident Examination
FAA inspectors found the airplane at rest in a residential yard after impacting several trees, on a heading of 290 degrees. The right wing was bent up slightly, and the right main landing gear separated. Rescue personnel removed the roof and surrounding cabin structure to extricate occupants.
Continuity was confirmed to all flight control surfaces. The right front seatbelt was separated at the attach point; the attaching screw was not the recommended AN4-6A bolt and had threads extending to the head.
Engine examination revealed that the propeller remained attached, with one blade bent aft and the other minimally damaged. The carburetor mixture was full rich, and the throttle arm was at approximately three-quarters full power. No fuel staining was observed; the bowl contained about one teaspoon of fuel without water. The carburetor heat cockpit control knob was extended about half an inch. The fuel screen was debris-free. Spark was produced at all leads, and plugs were grayish. Oil was present, and engine continuity and compression were confirmed.
Weather and Airport Information
The weather at nearby Stewart International Airport (SWF) included calm winds, 10 miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 19°C, dew point 14°C, and altimeter 30.02 inches of mercury. Kobelt Airport has a single asphalt runway (3/21) measuring 2,864 feet by 50 feet at an elevation of 420 feet. About 200 feet from the runway end, trees approximately 60 feet tall are located about 100 feet left of extended centerline. The airport has no control tower.
No flight services were provided by Lockheed Martin or DUATS to N739RK on the day of the accident.