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NTSB Report
April 23, 1989 · Cessna 172F · N7908U
Elkin Arpt., NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 23, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Elkin Arpt., NC
Aircraft
Cessna 172F
Tail Number
N7908U
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89LA132
THE WINDS WERE GUSTING WHILE THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING THE TAKEOFF. HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO TREES ABOUT 3/4 DOWN THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF BUT DRIFTED INTO THE TREES BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO CORRECT BACK TO THE RUNWAY. THERE WERE NO SYSTEM PROBLEMS REPORTED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PROPERLY COMPENSATE FOR THE GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS DURING TAKEOFF AND THE DELAY IN HIS DECISION TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF BEFORE COLLIDING WITH TREES. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE AND PROFICIENCY.
Full Narrative
THE WINDS WERE GUSTING WHILE THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING THE TAKEOFF. HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO TREES ABOUT 3/4 DOWN THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF BUT DRIFTED INTO THE TREES BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO CORRECT BACK TO THE RUNWAY. THERE WERE NO SYSTEM PROBLEMS REPORTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 EDT
Nearest AirportElkin Municipal (0nm N)
Runway7
Runway Length4003 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172F
Tail NumberN7908U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 35 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingOvercast 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:52
Weather SourceWFAC