Accident Overview
On November 20, 2018, at approximately 0930 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172 airplane, registration N27LA, was substantially damaged in an accident near Colorado Springs, Colorado. The commercial pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight Sequence
According to the pilot, after departure, they flew to a different airport and performed three uneventful touch-and-go landings. They then proceeded to the accident airport and conducted a straight-in approach to runway 33. The approach was at a normal speed of 60 knots with flaps fully extended and the mixture set appropriately for the 7,000-foot field elevation. The pilot did not apply carburetor heat. The airplane landed, and the pilot added full power, raised the flaps, and raised the nose to take off. The airplane became airborne at about 50 knots but did not accelerate; instead, airspeed decreased to about 45 knots. The airplane began exhibiting characteristics consistent with a stall, and the pilot lowered the nose. The airplane settled back onto the ground slightly off the left side of the runway, rolled through a grassy field and a fence, and impacted a ditch. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported seeing the airplane in a nose-high attitude before it descended from view. Shortly thereafter, they observed people running toward the airplane.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the flaps were fully extended. The cockpit flap indicator displayed 40°.
Weather and Runway Information
Weather at the time of the accident was reported as wind from 130° at 4 knots, temperature 9°C, dewpoint -11°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.26 inches of mercury, corresponding to a density altitude of about 7,386 feet. According to the FAA Airport/Facility Directory, runway 15 is recommended for takeoff and touch-and-go landings when the effective tailwind is less than 5 knots. The directory also stated that runway 33 had an upslope of 1.4%. Runway 15/33 was 60 feet wide and about 6,000 feet long.
Performance Considerations
The takeoff performance chart in the Cessna 172M Pilot Operating Handbook specifies the following configuration and environmental conditions for takeoff: flaps up, full throttle prior to brake release, zero wind, and a paved, level, dry runway. The notes section stated that for operation with tailwinds up to 10 knots, distances should be increased by 10% for each 2 knots. It further stated that prior to takeoff from fields above 3,000 feet elevation, the mixture should be leaned to give maximum RPM in a full throttle, static runup.