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August 27, 2018 · Cessna 172 P · N53051

Winchester, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 27, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Winchester, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 172 P (1981)
Tail Number
N53051
Operator
Av-Ed Flight School- Winchester
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA513

The student pilot reported that he completed a touch-and-go landing and applied full power to increase the airplane's ground speed. During the takeoff roll, the engine power increased, and the airplane drifted to the left side of the runway. The student applied full right rudder, but it was ineffective. He then reduced the engine power to idle and applied brakes, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway, collided with a drainage culvert, and then came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut, the vertical stabilizer, and the rudder. The student reported that he thought that a mechanical malfunction of the rudder system might have occurred before the accident sequence. However, Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspectors reported that, during a postaccident airplane examination, the rudder system was operational, and rudder control continuity was established.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The student pilot reported that he completed a touch-and-go landing and applied full power to increase the airplane's ground speed. During the takeoff roll, the engine power increased, and the airplane drifted to the left side of the runway. The student pilot's full deflection right rudder application was ineffective, and the he reduced the engine power to idle. He applied brakes, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway, collided with a drainage culvert, and the airplane came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut, the vertical stabilizer, and the rudder. The student pilot suspected that a mechanical malfunction of the airplane's rudder system may have occurred prior to the accident sequence. However, Federal Aviation Administration, Aviation Safety Inspectors reported that during a post-accident airplane examination, the airplane's rudder system was operational and rudder control continuity was attained.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EDT
Nearest AirportWinchester Rgnl (0nm N)
Runway32
Runway Length5498 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 P
Tail NumberN53051
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAv-Ed Flight School- Winchester
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7500 ft
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time15:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data