This September 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna Cardinal. Injuries: 1 Serious, 3 Minor. Location: Truckee, Calif. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot took off from the mountain airport with a density altitude of about 8,000 feet and gusting winds. According to calculations by an FAA inspector, the airplane was loaded to within about 50 pounds of its maximum gross weight. After lifting off, the plane climbed to about 200 feet above ground level, and then started to sink as it encountered downdrafts over the mountainous terrain. The pilot turned back toward the airport as the airplane continued to descend. Prior to reaching the airport, the wheels momentarily touched the terrain, but the plane became airborne again. The left wing hit the ground, causing the airplane to cartwheel.
According to the pilot, the way to prevent such an accident from reoccurring is, “To not fly in the mountains when the gross weight is close to the maximum.”
Probable cause: The improper decision to take off in a heavily loaded airplane under the ambient conditions that existed at the time. Contributing to the accident was the mountainous/hilly terrain, a high density altitude, gusty winds and downdrafts.
For more information: NTSB.gov
Good advise Steve.
It’s more likely that the pilot didn’t exercise good judgement in taking into account the detrimental affects of density altitude and gusty winds. Since the airplane flew in, it would be able to fly out if the conditions were equal. It’s also possible that the owner felt pushed to take off due to obligations. The NTSB report does not specify the time of this takeoff; only that the accident took place on Sunday. A good running 177B will have no problem climbing (albeit slowly) at 8000 feet density altitude at gross weight.
In reality all small (200 hp or less) light planes should really be regarded as 2 place airplanes when operating in and out of airports at (density) altitudes above 5000 feet
It’s also probable, especially given the quote from the pilot, that he (or she) wasn’t expecting anything other than “normal” performance and when confronted with very slow climb speeds and wind cause descents didn’t react properly.
Rules of thumb: Plan flights to high altitude airports to land and take off before 10 am (earlier is better) or after 4 pm (later is better) since typical middle of the day air temperatures are elevated and winds are strongest during mid day hours.
Ouch! but how did he get there in the first place? It looks like they picked up weight while at that airport which the report fails to mention!