Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's use of unsuitable terrain for takeoff. Factors were the uphill terrain, the long vegetation, and short takeoff area available.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During takeoff from an unimproved 885 foot long field, marked by uphill conditions and tall grass, and ringed by a fence, the pilot was unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear the fence. The aircraft struck the fence with the nose gear and nosed over to the inverted position.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 21, 1994, at 1730 central standard time, a Cessna 172P, N65275, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Blanco, Texas. The private pilot was not injured on this personal flight. There was no flight plan filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. In the Pilot/Operator report, the pilot stated that another pilot previously landed the airplane in an oat field due to a throttle malfunction. The throttle was repaired and the pilot was going to fly the airplane out to its home base, about 1 1/2 miles to the north. The pilot further reported that he checked the engine and "found it to work properly." "Full power was obtained, but the aircraft was slow to gain altitude because of high grass." The nose gear subsequently struck a fence at the end of the field and the airplane flipped over, coming to rest 170 feet from the fence. The pilot reported that the winds were calm at the time of the accident. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the site, the field was 885 feet in length, uphill, and covered with grass one foot tall. -