NTSB Factual Report

On March 14, 2004, approximately 1500 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172M, N1883V, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff from an alfalfa field near Eltopia, Washington. The airplane is owned by Kennewick Aircraft Services, Inc, Kennewick, Washington, and was being piloted by the private pilot as a cross-country flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot and passenger of the airplane were not injured. The flight originated from Vista Field, Kennewick, Washington, approximately 20 minutes prior to the accident. The pilot's planned destination was Spokane, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight.

In a written statement dated March 14, 2004, the pilot stated that the airplane developed a rough running engine while in a cruise flight configuration. After unsuccessful attempts to correct the situation or determine the cause of the rough running engine, the pilot made a precautionary landing to a nearby open field. After landing in the field, the pilot checked the airplane's systems stating "...I ran the engine rpm up and down searching for any kind of noticeable miss or any other tell-tale sign that there may be a problem." The pilot stated that after checking various systems, he concluded that "...everything seemed to be working fine" and elected to attempt a takeoff from the field.

The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, "...the airplane rose into ground effect, but then drifted down out of it, coming back down to the earth." The pilot stated that he aborted the takeoff, however, during the rollout the airplane encountered rising terrain and became airborne. He stated that when the airplane touched down the second time, it encountered rough uneven terrain and nosed down.

NTSB Probable Cause

Remedial action delayed during the takeoff roll. Factors include rough/uneven terrain.