N78658Cessna 172K · 1968

The pilot reported that, during take off initial climb, he "started to feel the airspeed drop," he corrected by using, "nose down to gain airspeed." The airspeed continued to drop, the airplane aerodynamically stalled, and subsequently, collided with the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, horizontal stabilizer and the elevator.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 7 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The airplane was taking off from runway 35.