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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

March 17, 2020 · Cessna 172 S · N66046

West Palm Beach, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 17, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172 S (2005)
Tail Number
N66046
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20CA130

According to the flight instructor, after a normal preflight inspection and engine run-up, the student pilot taxied to the runway for takeoff and began the takeoff roll. Everything seemed normal as the airplane accelerated; however, as the airplane rotated, it started to yaw left. The instructor attempted to assist the student correct the left yaw by applying right rudder. He was unable to correct the left yaw, so he took over the flight controls and aborted the takeoff. The airplane bounced to the left and impacted a retention pond bank. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane reported that the forward fuselage and firewall were buckled, that the nosewheel steerage linkage was broken, and that rust was noted on the fractured surfaces.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the nosewheel steerage linkage during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and impact with an obstacle during an attempted aborted landing.

Full Narrative

According to the flight instructor, after a normal pre-flight inspection of the airplane and engine run-up, the student pilot taxied to the runway for takeoff and began the takeoff roll. Everything seemed normal as the airplane accelerated; however, as the airplane rotated it started to yaw abnormally to the left. The flight instructor attempted to overcome the left yaw by pressing on the right rudder to assist the student pilot. He was unable to overcome the left yaw, took over the flight controls and aborted the takeoff. The airplane bounced to the left and collided with the bank of a retention pond.Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the forward fuselage and firewall was buckled. Further examination revealed that the nose gear steering tube rod end failed and rust was noted on the threaded area of the fractured surfaces.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:35 EDT
Nearest AirportPalm Beach County Park (0nm E)
Runway10
Runway Length3489 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 S
Tail NumberN66046
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
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 32 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 59 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data