Accident Details
On August 5, 2014, at approximately 1510 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 177RG airplane, registration N468LE, was substantially damaged during takeoff on runway 19 at Manistee County Airport (MBL), Manistee, Michigan. The private pilot, flight instructor, and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated by Great Lakes Air Ventures LLC under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country instructional flight, which was en route to Mason County Airport (LDM), Ludington, Michigan.
Flight and Weather Conditions
The flight instructor reported that the MBL weather station was inoperative during his preflight check, so he referenced the airport's windsock to select the runway. As the airplane taxied from the ramp area, the windsock indicated a light wind of variable direction, primarily from the east. Believing the winds were light and variable, the instructor directed his student—a private pilot seeking a complex airplane endorsement—to depart on runway 19 because the intended destination was south of the airport. The instructor calculated the runway length required to clear a 50-foot obstacle as about 1,850 feet at maximum gross weight with calm wind. The student initially set the wing flaps to 20 degrees, but the instructor noted the incorrect setting and instructed the student to select 10 degrees for a short-field takeoff.
Takeoff and Descent
The takeoff was initiated from the end of the runway to maximize available length, holding the wheel brakes until maximum engine power was achieved. During the takeoff roll, the instructor observed that the flaps were still at 20 degrees and adjusted them to 10 degrees. The student called out rotation speed (66 knots) and applied aft elevator control. The airplane lifted off at about 70 knots with approximately 1,000 feet of runway remaining. During initial climb, about 5 to 10 feet above the runway, the airplane experienced a sudden loss of airspeed and began to sink back. It touched down at the departure threshold and continued down an embankment into a tree line located about 350 feet from the end of the runway.
Post-Accident Observations
Following the accident, the flight instructor noted that the windsock was indicating a north-to-northwest wind direction with gusts reaching 18 to 20 knots. He stated that this apparent wind change resulted in a tailwind condition during the takeoff. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation. The fuselage and both wings were substantially damaged.
The automated surface observing system (ASOS) at MBL was not operational at the time, and an active NOTAM was in effect. However, a valid terminal forecast for MBL indicated a surface wind of 350 degrees at 7 knots. The nearest aviation weather observing system, located at the intended destination (LDM) 19.8 miles south, reported at 1515: wind 310 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 10 miles, scattered clouds at 3,800 feet and 4,500 feet, broken ceiling at 9,500 feet, temperature 24°C, dew point 16°C, altimeter 30.07 inches of mercury.