Probable cause
The pilot's failure to follow the Before Takeoff checklist and his improper use of flaps during takeoff, which degraded the airplane's climb performance and resulted in a collision with trees.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot and one passenger departed in a vintage airplane from a private airstrip. During the takeoff, the airplane would not climb with full engine power, and it collided with trees about 1/2 mile from the end of the runway.
An examination of the airplane revealed that the flaps were in the "down" position. However, the Before Takeoff checklist stated, "flaps up," for takeoff. The pilot reported that he normally took off with one notch of flaps. It is likely that the pilot's failure to follow the Before Takeoff checklist and his use of the wrong flaps setting for takeoff degraded the airplane's climb performance.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA342 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 30, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Madison, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Private Strip (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Fairchild M 62A-3
- N-number
- N47164
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1942
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.