ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 308188
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| Date: | Sunday 12 February 2023 |
| Time: | 17:28 |
| Type: |  Cessna 172H Skyhawk |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N3238L |
| MSN: | 17256138 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1967 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | near Dunham Field Airport (1XS1), Crosby, TX -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Initial climb |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Dunham Field Airport, TX (1XS1) |
| Baytown Airport, TX (HPY/KHPY) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
On February 12, 2023, about 1728 central standard time, a Cessna 172H airplane, N3238L, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Crosby, Texas. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot was performing a soft-field takeoff from a 2,700 ft soft, dry grass runway. According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll the soft terrain seemed to impede his airspeed, so he decided to perform a soft-field takeoff in ground effect. About half the distance down the airstrip, the pilot considered aborting the takeoff because he was concerned the airplane was not gaining enough airspeed to climb and avoid a moving train that was on the railroad track. He ultimately did not abort the takeoff, as he thought he would not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision with the train. As the airplane neared the moving train, the pilot pulled up the control yoke to initiate a climb; however, the airplane’s right main landing gear contacted the moving train. The airplane nosed down, impacted terrain, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A pilot-rated witness stated that it did not appear the airplane reached proper airspeed during the takeoff.
Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Based on the airplane’s weight and the ambient conditions, the manufacturer’s predicted takeoff distance to clear a 50 ft obstacle was about 1,200 ft. It is likely the pilot’s delayed decision to perform a soft-field takeoff procedure resulted in the airplane not adequately accelerating to a proper airspeed and climb rate
Probable Cause: The pilot’s delayed soft-field takeoff procedure, which prevented the pilot from achieving adequate airspeed and a proper climb rate resulting in a collision with a moving train.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
https://abc13.com/airplanc-crash-northeast-harris-county-plane-pilot-and-passneger-transported-near-railyard/12805742/
https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/plane-crash-harris-county-texas/285-4b528d67-f1a7-4d9f-8d8e-4854b5e064f3
https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=106727
https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=3238L
https://photos-e1.flightcdn.com/photos/retriever/ec96bb4b6a81512617b2c1b81f5cddf9df1a4366 (photo)
Location
Images:
Photo: NTSB
Media:
A plane has crashed into a train at a rail yard in the Crosby area, and DPS Troopers & @HCSOTexas are at the scene.
— TxDPS - Southeast Texas Region (@TxDPSSoutheast) February 13, 2023
The Tail Number is N3238L.
Both occupants have been transported to area hospitals.
The @FAANews has been notified.
This remains an active scene. pic.twitter.com/cR3dKl2HYx
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 29-Mar-2024 22:29 | Captain Adam | Updated [Aircraft type, Source, Narrative, Accident report, Photo] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
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