N7879T

On March 26, 2000, at 1500 Eastern Standard Time, a Cessna 172, N7879T, was substantially damage when it impacted trees during takeoff from a private airfield in Sissonville, West Virginia. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed, for the personal local flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, he had completed a cross-country flight, and was executing a takeoff from Runway 22, a 1,100-foot dirt strip, for closed traffic when the accident happened. During takeoff, the airplane encountered a gust of wind shortly after becoming airborne. The pilot applied full aileron and rudder, but could not arrest drift. The airplane struck trees to the left of the runway, then slid down a bank, coming to rest approximately 80 feet from the edge of the runway. In addition, the pilot made no mention of any flight control or engine malfunctions. He did state that the weather was clear, with an occasional gust of wind.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, the fuel selector was in the on position, fuel was present, and flight control continuity was verified.