Cessna 172 N1596E accident near South Bethlehem, New York

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper decision to attempt an intersection takeoff in a tailwind when the full runway in the opposite, headwind direction was available.

NTSB analysis

Due to his injuries, the pilot did not recall the accident. A pilot-rated witness reported seeing the airplane make an intersection takeoff from a 2,853-ft-long runway with a tailwind (9 kts, gusting to 13 or 14 kts). The intersection used resulted in only 2,293 ft of runway available. The accident airplane subsequently impacted a field near the departure end of the runway and came to rest upright.

Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Review of weight and balance data for the airplane revealed that it was loaded to within 80 pounds of its maximum gross weight before accounting for baggage and fuel (the quantities of which could not be determined). Review of performance data revealed that at maximum gross weight, in the reported wind and temperature conditions, the airplane required about 2,300 ft of runway to take off to clear a 50-ft obstacle. There were no performance data for tailwind conditions greater than 10 knots or any weight above the maximum gross weight. Based on the takeoff performance data, the pilot was likely attempting to operate the airplane in excess of its performance capabilities, which resulted in a subsequent collision with terrain when it was unable to climb. Instead of departing with a tailwind, and from an intersection with a reduced amount of runway remaining, had the pilot instead elected to depart in the opposite direction utilizing the full runway length, it is possible that the accident could have been avoided.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA229 for the full record.