Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA12CA531

Lyman, MS, USA

Aircraft #1

N65747

CESSNA 172P

Analysis

The private pilot reported that he was conducting the initial takeoff when the window on the cockpit door came open. He reached with his left hand to close the window and simultaneously tried to abort the takeoff. When he looked up, he observed the airplane departing the left side of the runway. He was unable to stop the airplane before it collided with perimeter trees. Postaccident examination of the airframe revealed substantial damage to the engine firewall. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Factual Information

The private pilot reported that he was conducting his initial takeoff when the window on the cockpit door came open. He reached with his left hand to close the window and simultaneously tried to abort the takeoff. When he looked up, he observed the airplane departing the left side of the runway. He was unable to stop the airplane before it collided with perimeter trees. According to an inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration, the airframe was damaged, including a buckled engine firewall. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff as a result of his attempt to close an unsecured cockpit window.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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