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NTSB Report

February 21, 2019 · Cessna 172 R · N83AF

Morristown, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 21, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Morristown, NJ
Aircraft
Cessna 172 R (2001)
Tail Number
N83AF
Operator
American Flyers
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA151

The flight instructor reported that, during takeoff with the student pilot on the flight controls, the airplane veered slightly left. The instructor assisted by applying rudder input, which corrected the veer, but then the airplane abruptly veered left. The instructor assumed control of the airplane, pulled the power, and applied brakes and rudder. The airplane exited the runway to the left into grass, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The student reported that he recalled the instructor telling him about the airplane's left turning tendencies and having to correct with the opposite (right) rudder. He added that he may have corrected with the wrong rudder during the takeoff. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount and fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 10 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 290° at 7 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 31. The Federal Aviation Administration's Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-3B, "Normal Takeoff," stated, in part: As the airplane gains speed, the elevator control tends to assume a neutral position if the airplane is correctly trimmed. At the same time, the rudder pedals are used to keep the nose of the airplane pointed down the runway and parallel to the centerline. The effects of engine torque and P-factor at the initial speeds tend to pull the nose to the left (Torque and P-Factor will be discussed in greater detail in later chapter). The pilot must use whatever rudder pressure is needed to correct for these effects or winds.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper rudder input and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and the landing gear collapsing.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that, during takeoff with the student pilot on the flight controls, the airplane veered slightly to the left, she assisted with rudder input and they corrected the veer, but then the airplane veered left abruptly. The instructor assumed control of the airplane, pulled the power, and applied brakes and rudder. But, the airplane exited the runway to the left into the grass, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The student reported that, upon reflection, he recalled the instructor telling him about the left turning tendencies and having to correct with the opposite (right) rudder. He reported that he may have corrected with the wrong rudder during the takeoff. The airplane sustained substantial damaged to the engine mount and fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 10 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 290° at 7 knots. The airplane was departing runway 31. The Federal Aviation Administration's Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-3B, provides information and guidance in a section titled "Normal Takeoff" which stated in part: As the airplane gains speed, the elevator control tends to assume a neutral position if the airplane is correctly trimmed. At the same time, the rudder pedals are used to keep the nose of the airplane pointed down the runway and parallel to the centerline. The effects of engine torque and P-factor at the initial speeds tend to pull the nose to the left (Torque and P-Factor will be discussed in greater detail in later chapter). The pilot must use whatever rudder pressure is needed to correct for these effects or winds.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EST
Nearest AirportMorristown Muni (0nm SSW)
Runway31
Runway Length3997 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 R
Tail NumberN83AF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAmerican Flyers
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 18 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 34 C
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data