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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 14, 2007 · Cessna 172K · N79941

Emporia, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 14, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Emporia, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 172K
Tail Number
N79941
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA07CA099

The pilot lost control of the airplane during the takeoff roll from runway 33. The wind at the time was from 140 degrees at 4 knots. The airplane departed the left side of the runway, and traveled into a ditch. Postaccident examination of the left brake, and wheel assembly revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll resulting in the on-ground collision with a ditch.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll he had right rudder input applied to counter the left turning tendency and upon achieving 45 miles-per-hour, the airplane "...violently pulled hard left and exited the runway onto the grass field then proceeded to come to rest in a ditch adjacent to the runway." Examination of the runway by the FAA inspector-in-charge revealed tire marks associated with "...tire skidding..." from both main landing gear tires beginning approximately 700 feet down the runway. The mark from the left main landing gear tire showed evidence of "'...chirping or skipping' due to heavy braking (locked up)..." for approximately 75 feet before becoming a continuous black mark in length. The mark from the right main landing gear also indicates evidence of heavy braking but did not leave any indication of being locked up. The marks on the runway from the landing gear tires veered to the left and the mark from the left main landing gear stops approximately 30 feet before the edge of the runway, while the mark from the right main landing gear tire continued showing signs of heavy braking. Impact damage to the 1,000 foot remaining sign was noted, and the airplane traveled off the runway onto grass, and collided with a ditch. Postaccident operational testing of the left brake assembly revealed no discrepancies. No brake drag was noted upon release of the left brake. The left main landing gear tire appeared new, and there was no scrapes or scuff marks on the tire. Inspection of the left brake rotor revealed no evidence of warping, and the brake pads appeared new.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 EDT
Nearest AirportEmporia-Greensville Regional (0nm)
Runway33
Runway Length5044 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172K
Tail NumberN79941
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time20:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data