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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 18, 2004 · Cessna 172N · N739AM

New Braunfels, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 18, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
New Braunfels, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N739AM
Operator
Michael Bartels
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW04LA215

The 11-hour student pilot lost directional control of the airplane while attempting to take off from runway 13 (a 5,364-foot long and 100-foot wide asphalt runway). The airplane veered off the left side of the runway and the pilot was unable to make the proper corrections. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, and collided with a taxiway sign. The winds at the time of the accident were reported from 140 degrees at 16 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A contributing factor was the high wind condition.

Full Narrative

On August 18, 2004, at 1815 central daylight time, a Cessna 172N single-engine airplane, N739AM, was substantially damaged when it collided with a taxiway sign following a loss of directional control during takeoff roll at the New Braunfels Municipal Airport (BAZ), near New Braunfels, Texas. The student pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by Southern Wings Flight Training Center of New Braunfels. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the site of the accident, the 11-hour student pilot, who was conducting his second supervised solo flight, was attempting to take off from runway 13 (a 5,364-foot long and 100-foot wide asphalt runway), and the airplane started to veer off the runway to the left. Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway, and collided with a taxiway sign. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed the left horizontal stabilizer was bent upwards approximately 5 degrees. The left main landing gear was found crushed underneath the fuselage. At 1751, the automated surface observing system at BAZ reported wind from 140 degrees at 16 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, sky condition clear, temperature 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.92 inches of Mercury. A completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not received from the pilot.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:15 CDT
Nearest AirportNew Braunfels Municipal Airpor (0nm N)
Runway13
Runway Length5364 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN739AM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMichael Bartels
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · Reciprocating
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time22:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data