Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary WPR12CA171

Prescott, AZ, USA

Aircraft #1

N17304

CESSNA 172S

Analysis

The pilot was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings in a crosswind. The pilot said that the landing was uneventful; however, as the airplane accelerated for takeoff, it veered to the left. Despite the pilot's control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the left, exited the runway surface, and struck a runway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, firewall, and empennage. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings in a crosswind. The pilot said the landing was uneventful; however, as the airplane accelerated for takeoff it veered to the left. Despite the pilot's control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the left, exited the runway surface, and struck a runway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, firewall, and empennage. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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