Accident Details
On February 12, 2023, about 1728 central standard time, a Cessna 172H airplane, registration N3238L, sustained substantial damage when it collided with a moving train during takeoff from a private 2,700 ft long dry grass airstrip near Crosby, Texas. The pilot reported serious injuries, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
According to the pilot, he and the passenger had landed earlier that day to discuss maintenance items with the airstrip owner. Unfamiliar with the airstrip, the pilot asked the owner about the best takeoff direction. The owner advised departure on runway 9 and stated that a railroad track located about 300 ft off the departure end would not be a factor. During the takeoff roll, the pilot felt the soft terrain impeded acceleration and decided to perform a soft-field takeoff in ground effect. About halfway down the runway, he considered aborting due to insufficient airspeed to clear an approaching train, but believed he could not stop in time. As the airplane neared the train, the pilot pulled back on the yoke to climb; the right main landing gear struck the train, causing the airplane to nose down, impact terrain, and come to rest inverted. The pilot noted this was his first operation at that airstrip and that it had been about four years since he practiced a soft-field takeoff.
Witness Account
A witness who frequently operated at the airstrip initially thought the pilot was back-taxiing for takeoff on runway 27 because the airplane was accelerating slowly with less than full power. The witness then realized the pilot was attempting takeoff as airspeed gradually increased. He stated the airplane never reached flying speed, and as it neared the moving train, it rapidly pitched up, stalled, and struck the train.
Aircraft Examination
Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all control surfaces. The engine was partially separated from the airframe. Both propeller blades exhibited leading edge gouging, forward twist deformation, chordwise scratching, and separated tips. The wing flaps were retracted. No evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation was found.
Performance Information
The pilot estimated the airplane’s weight was about 300 lb below maximum gross weight. Manufacturer’s specifications predicted a takeoff distance to clear a 50 ft obstacle of 1,095 ft. The pilot operating handbook recommended a 7% increase for dry grass runways. Based on the ambient temperature and wind conditions at the time, the predicted takeoff distance to clear a 50 ft obstacle was about 1,200 ft.
Soft-Field Takeoff Guidance
The FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-38) states that after becoming airborne, the pilot should gently lower the nose to accelerate to Vy or Vx if obstacles must be cleared. It notes that premature or too steep a climb may cause the airplane to settle back due to loss of ground effect. During transition out of ground effect, the pilot should not attempt to climb before reaching sufficient climb airspeed, as this may result in inability to climb further even with full power. The airplane should remain in ground effect until at least Vx is reached.