Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Palo Alto, CA — 2010-05-03

Final reportWPR10CA230
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Date
2010-05-03
Location
Palo Alto, CA, USA
Airport
KPAO
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N796SP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the certified flight instructor’s delayed response to the student pilot's loss of control during the takeoff roll.

NTSB narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that the student pilot, who was seated in the left seat, was performing a short field takeoff. The CFI said that during the takeoff, the airplane yawed left dramatically and became airborne in a nose-high attitude. The CFI reported that she took control and "pushed" forward on the yoke and regained control of the airplane; however, in the process, the airplane collided with an anemometer pole. The CFI reported that she was able to continue the flight, entered a non-standard pattern for the runway and landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer; damage was also noted to the right wing. No pre accident mechanical deficiencies or anomalies with the airplane were reported.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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