Cessna 172F N7905U accident near Brazoria, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to attain adequate airspeed for takeoff, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff after not maintaining directional control during the takeoff roll.

NTSB analysis

The intent of the flight was to reposition the airplane to another airport. Multiple witnesses reported that the airplane taxied from its hangar to the departure end of the turf runway which was wet from recent rains. During the taxi, intermittent engine backfires were heard. The airplane taxied into position and began its takeoff roll. Witnesses heard the engine backfire again and saw the airplane come to a complete stop about 300 ft down the runway. After a few minutes, the engine rpm increased again, and the airplane started another takeoff roll. One witness observed the airplane pitch up abruptly at a high angle and climb to about 200 ft, enter an aerodynamic stall, and impact terrain.

Postaccident examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane’s takeoff roll tire tracks were observed veering to the left about 50 ft off the runway. The tracks went through tall, uncut grass that was bordering the runway, and the ground under the tall grass was boggy and water saturated. Separated small pieces of the horizontal stabilizer were found in the tall grass, and a portion of the right elevator was embedded in the top of a barbed wire fence that bordered the boggy area. The airplane impacted the terrain in a left wing down, nose low attitude about 200 ft from the fence.

Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot’s most recent medical certification had been issued via Special Issuance due to medical history including coronary artery disease with a stent. The pilot’s autopsy identified a coronary artery stent, moderate coronary and cerebral artery plaque, and severe aortic plaque. The pilot’s medical condition increased his risk of cardiovascular-related impairment. Although such impairment cannot be excluded by autopsy evidence alone, no specific evidence of such impairment was identified.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24FA305 for the full record.