During an aborted takeoff from an alfalfa field near Eltopia at approximately 1500 Pacific time, the Cessna 172 was substantially damaged; the pilot and passenger were uninjured. While on a cross-country flight, the airplane developed a rough engine and the pilot made a precautionary landing in a nearby field. After the successful landing, the pilot checked the airplanes engine and systems but concluded that …everything seemed to be working fine and elected to attempt a takeoff from the field. During the takeoff roll, the airplane rose into ground effect, but then drifted down. The pilot aborted the takeoff; however, the airplane encountered rough uneven terrain and nosed down.
March 14, Eltopia, Wash. / Cessna 172
During an aborted takeoff from an alfalfa field near Eltopia at approximately 1500 Pacific time, the Cessna 172 was substantially damaged; the pilot and passenger were uninjured. While on a cross-country flight, the airplane developed a rough engine and the pilot made a precautionary landing in a nearby field. After the successful landing, the pilot checked the airplanes engine and systems but concluded that ...everything seemed to be working fine and elected to attempt a takeoff from the field. During the takeoff roll, the airplane rose into ground effect, but then drifted down. The pilot aborted the takeoff; however, the airplane encountered rough uneven terrain and nosed down....
Key Takeaways:
- A Cessna 172 made a precautionary landing in an alfalfa field near Eltopia due to engine trouble, with the pilot and passenger uninjured.
- After checking the engine, the pilot attempted a takeoff from the field but aborted when the aircraft lost lift after rising into ground effect.
- During the aborted takeoff, the airplane encountered rough terrain and nosed down, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft, though the occupants remained uninjured.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
