No fatalities

19 Jul 2018: Cessna 170 B — Spearfish, SD

Spearfish, SD, United States

On 19 Jul 2018, a Cessna 170 B was involved in an aviation accident near Spearfish, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper decision to take off in tailwind conditions, which resulted in an aborted takeoff with insufficient runway remaining. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from a grass runway, the pilot experienced insufficient climb performance and low airspeed. After aborting the takeoff, the airplane overran the runway, struck a tree with the left wing, and spun 180 degrees.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that during takeoff on a grass runway, after lift-off, he noticed he was unable to climb at a normal rate. He lowered the nose of the airplane, but the airspeed remained "dangerously low" and the stall horn sounded intermittently. He reduced power to abort the takeoff, but there was insufficient runway remaining. The airplane touched down, overran the runway, and the left wing impacted a tree. The airplane then spun 180 degrees before coming to rest.

Weather Information

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 140° at 5 knots, temperature 64°F, and dew point 59°F. The airplane was departing on runway 26.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot did not submit the NTSB Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.

Probable Cause

No probable cause was stated in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDecision related to condition

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome