NYC02LA024

Factual narrative

On November 2, 2001, about 1410 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172D, N36SK, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Argyle, New York. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that he took off from runway 21 at Argyle Airport (1C3), Argyle, New York. Shortly after departure, about 150 feet above the ground, the oil access door opened. The pilot decided to return for a landing, and made a left turn back towards the airport. The pilot added that due to strong winds, the airplane "lost lift," and it impacted the ground. The airplane came to rest in an alfalfa field about 1/2 mile from the airport. The nose gear, propeller, wings, and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot further stated that he did not experience any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The reported wind at an airport about 8 miles northwest of the accident site, at 1353, was from 190 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot stated that after takeoff, about 150 feet above the ground, the oil access door opened. The pilot decided to return for a landing, and made a left turn back towards the airport. During the turn, the airplane lost lift an impacted an alfalfa field about 1/2 mile short of the runway. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12