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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 26, 2012 · Cessna 172S · N961MC

West Palm Beach, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 26, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172S
Tail Number
N961MC
Operator
Palm Beach Flight Training
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA419

The flight instructor stated that he and the student pilot were practicing touch-and-go landings in crosswind conditions. The student pilot landed uneventfully on runway 31; however, during the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and began to veer to the right. The flight instructor took control of the airplane; however, as it subsequently climbed to an altitude of about 10 feet above the ground, another wind gust caused the airplane to roll over. The airplane came to rest inverted on the adjacent taxiway resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The flight instructor reported that were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. The reported wind at the airport about the time of the accident was from 220 degrees at 19 knots with 29-knot gusts. The pilot operating handbook for this airplane indicates that operation in a direct crosswind of up to 15 knots has been demonstrated.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain airplane control during the takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s decision to conduct takeoffs and landings in conditions exceeding the airplane’s maximum demonstrated crosswind capability.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor stated he was practicing touch and go takeoffs and landings in crosswind conditions with a student pilot. The student pilot landed on runway 31, uneventfully; however, during the takeoff roll the airplane encountered a gust of wind, and began to veer to the right. The flight instructor took control of the airplane; however, as it subsequently climbed to an altitude of about 10 feet above the ground, another wind gust caused the airplane to rollover. The airplane came to rest inverted on the adjacent taxiway resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The flight instructor reported that were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. The reported wind at the airport about the time of the accident was from 220 degrees at 19 knots, with 29 knot gusts. The Pilot Operating Handbook for this airplane indicates that operation in direct crosswinds of 15 knots has been demonstrated.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EDT
Nearest AirportNorth Palm Beach Countyairport (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length4300 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172S
Tail NumberN961MC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPalm Beach Flight Training
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 50 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 20 kt, gusting 29 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.70 inHg
Observation Time00:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data