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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 13, 2005 · Cessna 172N · N6454J

Madison, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 13, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Madison, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N6454J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI05CA146

The rental airplane was damaged when it struck the runway during takeoff. The pilot stated that he had pre-flighted the rental airplane and was issued a takeoff clearance. He stated that during the takeoff, the airplane became airborne and then subsequently struck the ground. He stated that the airplane became airborne a second time and again struck the ground. The pilot stated that at this time, he reduced power and held the brakes. The airplane struck the ground again and came to a halt. An examination of the airplane subsequent to the accident revealed that the control gust lock was still installed. The warning flag for the gust lock was broken off.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper pre-flight which resulted in the control lock not being removed and his subsequent inability to control the airplane. The unmarked control lock and the FBO's failure to replace the unmarked control lock were factors in the accident.

Full Narrative

On June 12, 2005, about 1900 central daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N6454J, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during takeoff at the Dane County Regional Airport, Madison, Wisconsin. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. In a written statement, the pilot stated that he had pre-flighted the rental airplane and was issued a takeoff clearance. He stated that during the takeoff, he applied full power and upon reaching 70 knots he began to pull back on the yoke. He said that the airplane became airborne and then subsequently struck the ground. He stated that the airplane became airborne a second time and again struck the ground. The pilot stated that at this time, he reduced power and held the brakes. The airplane struck the ground again and came to a halt. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector examined the airplane subsequent to the accident. The Inspector determined that the airplane had received substantial damage due to damage to the engine firewall. The inspector also found that the control gust lock was still installed. He noted that the warning flag for the gust lock was broken off.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN6454J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 20 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data