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NTSB Report
May 3, 2010 · Cessna 172S · N796SP
Palo Alto, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 3, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172S
Tail Number
N796SP
Operator
Opensky Airways
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10CA230
The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that the student pilot, who was seated in the left seat, was performing a short field takeoff. The CFI said that during the takeoff, the airplane yawed left dramatically and became airborne in a nose-high attitude. The CFI reported that she took control and "pushed" forward on the yoke and regained control of the airplane; however, in the process, the airplane collided with an anemometer pole. The CFI reported that she was able to continue the flight, entered a non-standard pattern for the runway and landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer; damage was also noted to the right wing. No pre accident mechanical deficiencies or anomalies with the airplane were reported.
NTSB Probable Cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the certified flight instructor’s delayed response to the student pilot's loss of control during the takeoff roll.
Full Narrative
The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that the student pilot, who was seated in the left seat, was performing a short field takeoff. The CFI said that during the takeoff, the airplane yawed left dramatically and became airborne in a nose-high attitude. The CFI reported that she took control and "pushed" forward on the yoke and regained control of the airplane; however, in the process, the airplane collided with an anemometer pole. The CFI reported that she was able to continue the flight, entered a non-standard pattern for the runway and landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer; damage was also noted to the right wing. No pre accident mechanical deficiencies or anomalies with the airplane were reported.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 PDT
Nearest AirportPALOALTO (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length2443 ft
Runway Width70 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172S
Tail NumberN796SP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorOpensky Airways
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 38 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind6 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 55
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Weather SourcePILO