Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172H near Lovingston, VA — 2009-06-20

Final reportERA09CA365
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Date
2009-06-20
Location
Lovingston, VA, USA
Airport
VG52
Aircraft
CESSNA 172H
Registration
N1664F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing from a 1,800-foot-long by 60-foot-wide turf runway in crosswind conditions. During the takeoff rotation, a gust of wind "shifted" the airplane, and it "lost its lift." The airplane’s left main landing gear contacted plowed soil on the side of the runway, and the airplane "pitched over." Both the propeller and left wing struck the ground before the airplane settled back onto all three landing gear. The airplane incurred substantial damage to the left wing. The closest weather reporting station, located 25 nautical miles northeast of the accident site, was reporting calm winds at the time of the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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