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NTSB Report

May 7, 2012 · Cessna 172R · N24461

Culebra, PR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 7, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Culebra, PR
Aircraft
Cessna 172R
Tail Number
N24461
Operator
Isla Grande Flying Sch00L and Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA325

After doing an engine runup the pilot taxied onto the runway and started his takeoff roll. During the attempted takeoff, the pilot realized that the control wheel would not move aft when he tried to pull back on it. He saw that the flight control lock was still installed, so he attempted to remove it but was not successful. The airplane was approaching the airport perimeter fence, so the pilot aborted the takeoff. The airplane impacted the fence, crossed a road, and struck trees. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the airplane’s wings and fuselage. Checklist procedures for the airplane required that the control wheel lock for the airplane be removed during the preflight inspection, and that the flight controls be checked prior to takeoff to ensure free and correct operation before takeoff. However, during a postaccident interview, the pilot stated that he did not use the checklist.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Flight control system-Gust lock or damper-Incorrect use/operation - C

Full Narrative

After doing an engine runup the pilot taxied onto the runway and started his takeoff roll. At approximately 60 knots indicated airspeed he attempted to rotate for takeoff and realized that the control wheel would not move when he attempted to pull back on it. He then observed that the flight control lock was still installed so he attempted to remove it. He pulled on the flight control lock, but it would not come out. He then observed that he was approaching the airport perimeter fence so he shut down the engine and attempted to use the elevator trim to raise the nose. The airplane then impacted the fence, bounced off a road, and struck trees. Post accident examination of the airplane revealed that the wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. Checklist procedures for the airplane required that the control wheel lock for the airplane be removed during the preflight inspection, and the flight controls be checked prior to takeoff, to assure that they were free and correct. However, during a post accident interview the pilot advised that he did not use the checklist.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 AST
Nearest AirportBenjamin Rivera Noriega (0nm)
Runway13
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172R
Tail NumberN24461
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorIsla Grande Flying Sch00L and Service
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 75 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 6 kt
CeilingBroken clouds 3400 ft
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data