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NTSB Report
July 28, 2019 · Cessna 172 R · N9548W
Mt. Sterling, KY
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 28, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mt. Sterling, KY
Aircraft
Cessna 172 R (1999)
Tail Number
N9548W
Operator
Zh Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA472
The pilot reported that he left the windows open while completing the Start-up checklist and while taxiing to the runway. During the takeoff roll, he noticed that the passenger window was unsecured. While attempting to secure the window, he momentarily took his eyes off the runway. As he looked back at the runway, the airplane was traveling to the left side of the runway. With insufficient runway to correct direction, the airplane impacted a runway distance marker sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll due to distraction by the passenger window being unsecured, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a runway distance marker. Contributing to the accident was pilot’s failure to ensure that the passenger window was secured.
Full Narrative
The private pilot reported that he left the windows open while completing the start-up checklist and while taxiing to the runway. During the takeoff roll, he noticed the passenger window was unsecured. In his attempt to secure the window, he momentarily took his eyes off the runway. As he looked back, the airplane was traveling to the left side of the runway. With insufficient room to correct direction, the airplane collided with a runway distance marker sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 EDT
Nearest AirportMount Sterling-Montgomery Coun (0nm SE)
Runway21
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172 R
Tail NumberN9548W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorZh Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO360 · Reciprocating
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time19:35
Weather SourceWFAC