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NTSB Report
August 9, 2023 · Cessna 172R · N172FW
Princeton, NJ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 9, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Princeton, NJ
Aircraft
Cessna 172R (1997)
Tail Number
N172FW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA23LA339
The student pilot was practicing solo takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern. He successfully completed two takeoffs and landings. He then decided to attempt a soft-field technique takeoff. As the airplane began to lift off the ground, the pilot reported that an unexpected gust of wind from the northwest caught him off guard, and he lost control of the airplane. The airplane subsequently collided with trees, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the prevailing wind conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent collision with trees.
Full Narrative
The student pilot was practicing solo takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern. He successfully completed two takeoffs and landings. He then decided to attempt a soft-field technique takeoff. As the airplane began to lift off the ground, the pilot reported that an unexpected gust of wind from the northwest caught him off guard, and he lost control of the airplane. The airplane subsequently collided with trees, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:15 EDT
Nearest AirportPrinceton (0.5nm ENE)
Runway28
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172R
Tail NumberN172FW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 F
Altimeter29.80 inHg
Observation Time08:53
Weather SourceWFAC